Olympique Lyonnais scored a 4th consecutive victory by winning against Nice this Friday (1-0), on the 22nd day of Ligue 1.
A judicious transfer window which announces new perspectives, more coherent play, new emulation and three consecutive victories to jump up the rankings: the start of 2024 is truly synonymous with rebirth for Olympique Lyonnais. After getting its head above water during the holidays, the Rhone club shifted gears to ensure its continued serenity.
More than the raw results, the identity of his latest victims said a lot about his renewed confidence: Marseille, Lille and Montpellier had suffered the law of Pierre Sage’s men. But this good series required confirmation against even tougher opposition, OGC Nice, which is none other than the best in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain this season.
OL did not crack
Less sovereign in recent weeks, the Aiglons approached this match with the idea of giving a response. But Francesco Farioli had to cope without one of his most important players – if not the most: Dante. Undisputed leader and boss of the defensive sector, the Brazilian failed in his ability to ensure the first restart. Because it was the Gones who took the upper hand in this match.
The Lyonnais made the difference during the first act thanks to Mangala, opportunistic when receiving a service from Nuamah (1-0, 22nd). A flash in a very rhythmic meeting, where the Aiglons were more attractive than usual in certain sequences. Before and after this decisive goal, Nice increased the attacks on the goal of Lopes who was having a good evening.
The Lyonnais folded for a long time, but they did not crack, especially in a suffocating last quarter of an hour where Lopes was invaluable (84th, 86th). If Nice has been at a standstill for two matches, OL, with its imperfections, is no longer stopping.
