Olympique Lyonnais were looking to make it two wins from two in the UEFA Europa League as they travelled to Glasgow to face Rangers. The Scottish side are a familiar foe for Les Gones in European competition after they faced each other in 2021.
Lucas Perri was called into action early on after Tavernier found himself with the ball in a fortunate position, but the Rangers captain couldn’t convert from close range. The hosts continued to press forward in the early stages, and Cerny had a glorious chance to score the opening goal of the match with the goal gaping, but his effort was over. It was then Lacazette’s turn to shoot but Butland was equal to it.
Against the run of play, it would be Lyon who opened the scoring. After a brilliant run from Cherki, the ball fell to Malick Fofana who expertly bent his effort into the bottom corner. Two goals in two games for the Belgian winger. However, OL were soon pegged back. Rangers made their dominance count. A terrible passback from Tolisso with his head caught Perri out and the Brazilian failed to hold the ball allowing Lawrence to place the ball home to level the match.
Les Gones were soon back in front. Malick Fofana capitalised on a loose pass from Barron and remained composed in the area to pick out Lacazette. The Lyon forward made no mistake with a simple finish by sending Butland the wrong way. Fofana almost made it three with another marauding run forward but his effort is tame and straight at the Rangers stopper.
Cherki should have made it three after picking up a loose pass in midfield and linking well with Lacazette, but the Frenchman’s final touch was too heavy. On the stroke of half-time, Lacazette doubled his account and extended the visitors’ lead. The OL captain cut inside from the left flank with ease before rifling in a powerful effort from 20 yards into the top corner. Lyon led 3-1 at the break.
The hosts came out positively in the second half and continued to pile pressure on a fragile OL defence. However, Lyon extended their lead thanks to another brilliant move from their attacking trio. Dancing feet from Cherki allowed the Frenchmen to get to the byline and fizz a cross through the six-yard box for Fofana to tap in at the back post for his second goal of the evening.
Lyon almost made it 5 from a corner as Ćaleta-Car hit the crossbar before Tolliso’s rebound was cleared off the line. As Rangers looked to find a way back into the game, Dowell launched a volley from the edge of the area but Perri was able to make a big save. Benrahma almost scored instantly from the bench but Butland denied the Algerian – a big chance for the substitute.
Lyon player ratings:
Lucas Perri – 6
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
Duje Ćaleta-Car – 6
Clinton Mata – 6
Nicolás Tagliafico – 6
Nemanja Matić – N/A, replaced by Caqueret due to injury in the 27th minute.
Corentin Tolisso – 5
Jordan Veretout – 5
Rayan Cherki – 8, Illusive throughout the night, the attacking midfielder was offered a freer role from the right flank and thrived because of it. With close control and dancing feet, the Frenchman looked to be enjoying his football and caused havoc for the hosts’ defence.
Alexandre Lacazette – 8, A profligate run in front of goal ended with two brilliant goals from the Lyon captain. The second strike was the pick of the goals on the night as it rifled into the top corner. His overall attacking play acted as a platform for Cherki and Fofana to thrive
Malick Fofana – 9, The Belgian was electric throughout the match. Whether it be his anticipation to win the ball back high, his pace and quick feet to beat his man or his decision-making in the final third, Rangers could not get near the 19-year-old. 2 goals and an assist capped off a coming-of-age performance for the winger.
Maxence Caqueret – 6
