OL concede a draw against Lorient

We had to follow up. Despite a misstep against Auxerre (2-1), OL finally recovered and went on to win against Angers (3-1), then qualify for the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. Laurent Blanc and his men then had to ensure a new success against Lorient, in front of his public, to believe in a possible European place. The Merlus, 9th, who have only one point more than OL, hoped to count on the absences of Lacazette, Jeffinho, Gusto and Lopes to put a distance to their direct opponent.

Better in their legs for a few weeks, OL proved to be convincing in the game and then pushed to quickly open the scoring. Well served by Cherki, Barcola presented themselves in front of Mannone, but lost their face-to-face (20th). A few minutes later, the Breton doorman then disgusted Cherki (42nd). There was better, but the finish was lacking for Les Gones and that gave hope to FC Lorient, who proved to be dangerous over the course of the game.

To read
OL: Bradley Barcola’s big disappointment

Imperial Vito Mannone

It didn’t take much for Olympique Lyonnais to open the scoring this Sunday, but Vito Mannone put out a hell of a performance. Already decisive in the first half, he made a decisive parade in front of Caqueret (48th), before a superb reflex in front of Tolisso (50th). Always more dangerous, OL offered themselves a new opportunity after a very good job by Cherki, but Barcola completely missed the target (52nd). Time was running out and the public at Groupama Stadium feared a bad surprise from Lorient, like a strike from Cathline, on a counter-attack, passed close to the left post of Riou (51st).

The last half hour was racing and Laurent Blanc was tired by the missed opportunities by his attackers. After a good move, Cherki entered the box and found himself alone in front of Mannone… but missed the target (74′). OL did not stop trying to break through the Breton net, but in the end the iron defense of Les Merlus held out until the end. With this draw, Lorient and Lyonnais take a very bad option in the race for Europe. The Lyonnais can have regrets.