Author of a generally disappointing collective performance, Olympique Lyonnais, lacking inspiration on the offensive level, could not do better than a sad draw against Stade de Reims (0-0). A very bad operation in the race for Europe.
The 29th day of Ligue 1 continued, this Sunday at 5:05 p.m., with a promising poster between Stade de Reims (12th, 35 points) and Olympique Lyonnais (10th, 41 pts), determined to relaunch in the race to Europe. At Stade Auguste-Delaune, the Rémois, undefeated in their last four outings in the Championship (2 wins, 2 draws), hoped to continue their march forward and thus get closer to their opponent of the day. A task which promised to be difficult despite everything against Lyonnais qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League and determined to redeem themselves after the slap received against Rennes last week (2-4). For this meeting, Oscar Garcia therefore aligned a 5-3-2 where Kebbal and Berisha accompanied Hornby on the front of the Champagne attack. For his part, Peter Bosz opted for his traditional 4-2-3-1 with Kadewere, Paqueta and Toko-Ekambi in support of Dembélé, starter.
Under the eyes of their supporters, the red-and-whites started this meeting perfectly, in particular under the impetus of a very active Konan in his left lane (2nd). Jostled in the first moments, the Lyonnais grew bolder and Aouar even thought of giving the advantage to his people. Lonely in the heart of the area, his recovery in first intention was finally countered by the heel of Busi at the last moment (11th). Increasingly consistent collectively, OL relied on their technical mastery to work within the Reims defence. Well in place and attentive, the SDR nevertheless kept their clean sheet without great difficulty and even obtained a few situations on fixed phases, like this header on target from Abdelhamid (28th). Annoyed by the refereeing decisions taken by Johan Hamel, Peter Bosz multiplied his provocations and ended up seeing the color red (29th). From the stands, the Dutch technician then saw the Champagne club push just before the break. In vain. At the end of a generally disappointing first act, the two teams neutralized each other (0-0).
OL are slowing down!
Sharp as soon as they returned from the locker room, Stade de Reims signaled themselves for the first time on Lopes’ cage but Hornby’s header was well captured by the last rampart of Les Gones (47th). Stung raw, the Lyonnais quickly regained control of the game. Shifted by Paqueta, Gusto crossed, low to the ground, towards Dembélé but the latter’s recovery crashed into the upright of Rajkovic (50th)! In the process, Aouar also went there with his attempt but his shot was finally blocked (51st). A meeting that ignited somewhat and Konan, with a heavy strike, put Lopes to work (55th). At the hour mark, Oscar Garcia brought new blood with the entry into play of Doumbia and Locko instead of Berisha and Kebbal but the face remained the same. Dominators, the Gones were confronted with a defensive block from Champagne perfectly in place and which did not hesitate to project itself against.
On one, Konan was accelerating and centering hard towards Hornby. As a boss, Lukeba finally intervened with a decisive angry tackle (64th). Taking advantage of a slight drop in speed from the visitors, the SDR increased their pressure but nevertheless failed to destabilize a diligent Rhone rearguard. An end to the game which was largely balanced and despite the (late) entry of Reine-Adélaïde (77th), OL never found the fault despite a last fright initiated by Aouar who fell on a heroic Rajkovic (90 + 2nd ). Overall dominated but very little worried, Stade de Reims finally took advantage of Gones’ lack of inspiration to glean a point. With this goalless draw (0-0), the Champagne club remains in twelfth place. Bad operation on his side for OL, now tenth but which sees Lens, Monaco or Lille widen the gap in front. Suffice to say that the reception of Angers SCO on April 3, will already look like the final if the club chaired by Jean-Michel Aulas wants to grab a qualifying place in Europe.
The official line-ups at kick-off
The Stade de Reims XI
👀 A look at the Reims starting 11 for this #SDROL ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/dEsWgShm5L
— Reims Stadium (@StadeDeReims) March 20, 2022
The XI of Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon’s starting XI to face Stade de Reims! 👊🔴🔵#SDROL pic.twitter.com/nAmL0KX9sM
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) March 20, 2022
