Dominant but unrewarded, Les Aiglons leave Lyon on the wrong end of a narrow but cruel 1-0 defeat. 

Some nights you wish you never had to think about them again. This was one of them. Dominant, determined and enterprising, Les Rouge et Noir were once again at their valiant best at Groupama Stadium on Friday. But just as they did against Monaco five days earlier (MD21, 2-3), they lost. Marcin Bułka was beaten from close range by Orel Mangala in the 22nd minute, Lyon's only shot on target. But it was enough to see Le Gym lose, despite having control of the game and creating several dangerous situations that could have resulted in a penalty in their favour… more than once.

Without Dante (suspended), Hicham Boudaoui and Sofiane Diop (injured), Francesco Farioli fielded a central defensive pairing of Youssouf Ndayishimiye and JC Todibo, who wore the captain’s armband for the night. In midfield and up front, Khephren Thuram and Mohamed-Ali Cho returned to the starting line-up. And it didn't take long for Cho to make his presence felt. Popping up on the right, on the left, the winter signing was a constant threat to the Lyon defence, first beating Tagliafico only to be denied by Lopes (5'). And then, after another solo raid, the former Real Sociedad man was unlucky to hit the post from a cross-shot that had the keeper beaten all ends up (9’).

UNLUCKY AIGLONS

Laborde's effort was then blocked by a Lyon foot after Sanson  had won back possession (5'). There was no luck either when the Nice midfielder saw his shot deflected by Caleta-Car off Caqueret's hand (20’). It was not enough for Mr Turpin to point to the spot. Caleta-Car again got off unpunished when he looked guilty of elbowing Guessand in the head in the middle of the penalty box (45+1’).

As in the derby, Gym were punished for their profligacy. OL’s first chance fell to Mangala, who was well placed to convert Nuamah's cross (1-0, 22’). The opening goal, against the run of play, was painful one for Les Aiglons, who were clearly rocked and Caqueret went close to adding another (31’). Les Rouge et Noir were struggling on the counter-attack, but they were able to rely on an excellent Melvin Bard, who made several decisive tackles to deny Nuamah, his opposite number on the night. Lyon’s Ghana international found himself one-on-one with Bułka, only to see the Nice full-back make a sensational last-ditch tackle (35').

MOFFI AND BOGA RETURN

Still dominant in the second half, Les Aiglons were boosted by the introduction of Alexis Claude-Maurice, Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi shortly before the hour mark, the latter two had returned from the African Cup of Nations on Thursday. The attacking trio gave everything they had to help Le Gym get back into the game: Moffi shot wide (64’), Claude-Maurice's attempt was parried by Lopes (72’), Boga's curling shot flirted with the post (84’) and then his effort then turned away by the Lyon goalkeeper (86’)... Francesco Farioli's men finished the match with favourable statistics reflecting their overall dominance (20 shots, 6 on target). However, they were unable to break down the OL defence, which held firm throughout the second half.

The difference could also have been made from set-pieces, but neither Rosario, with a header that went just wide (69’), nor Lotomba, with a powerful right-footed volley (88’), were able to hit the target. Le Gym right-back could still have won a penalty in the 89th minute, when brought down by Tagliafico on the right side of the box. Still not enough for Mr Turpin and his assistants to warrant a penalty. As was the case five days ago, the Aiglons left the pitch without a point, despite another match full of quality and endeavour. They now have eight days to prepare for the visit of Clermont (MD23, 25/02, 15:00 CET) and to get back to winning ways in the league.

Hugo Rondet