In the sixth place in Ligue 1, Olympique Lyonnais thought it had to settle for a ticket for the League conference. But the weekend scenario has changed everything. By winning the Coupe de France against Reims (3-0), Paris Saint-Germain offered Gones much more than a simple upgrade: a direct place in the Europa League. Thanks to this Parisian success, the C3 returns to the sixth in the championship … A row snatched in extremis by Lyon during the final day.
It was not until the 100th minute of the match between Le Havre and Strasbourg to see OL climb in the standings. This saving goal scored by the Normans condemned the Alsatians to seventh place, leaving Lyon miraculously qualified. Ironically, the Gones thought, a week earlier, that their victory against Angers (2-0) would have been useless. Finally, this success combined with opposing results opens the doors of the second most prestigious European competition.
OL will therefore find the Europa League for a second season in a row. This year, the Rhone club had reached the quarter -finals before a cruel elimination against Manchester United after extension. A frustrating, but enriching experience, which the club hopes to convert into a more successful course. It remains to be seen with which workforce Paulo Fonseca can build his ambitions, because executives like Lacazette or Cherki could pack this summer.
Financial relief in perspective for OL
Beyond the prestige, this European qualification represents a breath of oxygen for Lyon finances. In difficulty facing the DNCG, the owner John Textor was desperately looking for new resources. Tickets, TV rights and UEFA bonuses linked to the C3 will be as many arguments to assert to pass the audit without incident. Excellent news for the club's economic stability.
Next season, five French clubs will play Europe. PSG, Monaco and Marseille in the Champions League, Nice will have to go through the dams, Lille will accompany Lyon in the Europa League, while Strasbourg will inherit the conference League. For OL, it is an unexpected reversal of the situation … and a great revenge to prepare.
