Olympique Lyonnais came to humiliate the Gym on their own turf at the Allianz Riviera. And let’s be honest, given the quality of play displayed, it was deserved.
A ball lost by Dante, a lightning counterattack: Cornet to Depay, who opened the scoring just after kickoff (0-1, 5’). A devastating step-over by Cornet in the box, finished with a relentless left-footed strike (0-2, 17’). A wonderful pass from Aouar to Mariano, who sprinted like an arrow and beat Benitez (0-3, 27’). A recovery by Cornet from Seri’s feet, a drive by Mariano, then a perfect curled shot for Memphis’s double (0-4, 38’).
Three days after their Europa League qualification, Nice had the opportunity to string together wins at the Allianz Riviera against one of the heavyweights of Ligue 1. They were taken down from the get-go and never managed to find answers. Set up in a 3-5-2 at kickoff, Lucien Favre’s squad suffered for an hour and a half. Incapable of halting the Gones’ movements, their dropping off, their gameplay changes, their verticality, their impact. This was consequently reflected on the scoreboard.
Starved of the ball, Super Mario did try his luck from afar after 10 minutes, and again from a free-kick upon returning from the locker room. Lopes intervened both times. At halftime, Lucien Favre did try to change things. He brought on Lusamba in place of Seri and Lees-Melou for Souquet. He adjusted his 3-5-2 into a flat 4-4-2, placing Jallet on the right of the defense and the two new additions on the midfield wings.
The Eagles had the ball a bit more, but lacked energy. Well organized and disciplined, OL simply managed their lead. After Marlon’s expulsion, the Azuréens played with 10 men for 20 minutes and conceded one last goal shortly after, through Myziane Maolida (0-5, 80’).
After a tough Sunday, the series of matches will allow for less reflection, as a trip to Toulouse is scheduled for this Wednesday.
The opportunity to bounce back and consign this last Sunday of November to the stage of bad memories.
