Lyon Bounces Back with a Strong Europa League Victory Against Olympiakos
After a disappointing defeat to Olympique de Marseille (OM), Olympique Lyonnais found a glimmer of hope in their Europa League opener against Olympiakos. The match, held on Thursday, showcased a revitalized Lyon side that dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Despite a shaky start to the Ligue 1 season, currently sitting 14th with just one win, Lyon's performance against the Greeks brought some much-needed relief to fans and players alike.
The match kicked off with Lyon coach Pierre Sage making strategic changes, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation that featured key attacking players like Rayan Cherki, Ernest Nuamah, and Malick Fofana. Lyon was dominant in the first half, holding 67% possession and firing eight shots compared to Olympiakos's three. However, it was the Greek side that came closest to scoring first, with Lucas Perri making a crucial save from Rodinei's curling shot.
Lyon's breakthrough finally came in the second half when Cherki, who had been a standout player, scored the opening goal in the 65th minute. His impressive performance earned him a standing ovation from the crowd as he was substituted shortly after. The victory was sealed by Saïd Benrahma, who scored a second goal in the 71st minute, showcasing Lyon's attacking depth and resilience.
Despite a late scare when a potential goal from Caleta-Car was disallowed by VAR, Lyon's defense held firm, and the match ended 2-0 in favor of the home team. Rayan Cherki expressed the team's determination to build on this success as they prepare for their next Ligue 1 match against Toulouse and a subsequent Europa League clash with Glasgow Rangers.
