They had a lot to be forgiven in the face of a Rhone public who for the occasion had not invested en masse the spans of the Groupama Stadium, even letting themselves indulge in a few whistles while the break sent the 22 players back to the locker room with a score null and void. This Thursday evening against Olympiakos, the Lyonnais responded well. For a successful entry into Europe.
After a good first quarter of an hour and a generally balanced initial act, the Gones accelerated the maneuver in the second period of this first round of the Europa League. Lacazette rang the bell, Tolisso warmed the gloves of the opposing goalkeeper… and finally the light came, from the crampons of a Cherki finally found after his real summer false start.
Scorer in vain against OM four days earlier (2-3 defeat conceded in added time), the 21-year-old wisp was decisive this time, finding the fault with a nice cross strike shortly after the hour of play (1-0, 65e). Launched immediately in place of Cherki, precisely (67e), Benrahma was quick to shine in his turn, author of the break goal on an opening from… Zaha (2-0, 71e).
For his first moments with OL, the Ivorian striker also came on in the 67the minute, will have seized his chance. A good omen for the future. Here is Lyon ideally invested in this Europa League. A convincing debut to be confirmed in Glasgow on Rangers’ ground next week, after a tricky trip to Toulouse in the league.
