With its victory (3-1) against Rennes, Olympique Lyonnais can still dream of Europe.
If Paris Saint-Germain got some fresh air against Nice (2-0) on Saturday evening, after feeling the breath of the Lensois victorious on Friday against Strasbourg (2-1), five Ligue 1 matches took place in the afternoon, Sunday April 9. Lyon took advantage of Lille’s misstep the day before in Angers, to regain ground by winning at home against Rennes (3-1). The fight for maintenance experienced a turning point with the combined defeats of Troyes and Ajaccio, while Brest will regret having cracked at the end of the match in Reims (1-1). In the middle of the table, Toulouse inflicted on Michel der Zakarian his first defeat since his return to Montpellier (1-2).
The symbol: the OL Academy punishes then saves Lyon
In difficulty and faced with the rebellion of its supporters, Olympique Lyonnais had no room for error against Rennes, four days after their elimination from the Coupe de France. But after losing a ball, it was Amine Gouiri, former resident of the training center, who mystified Sinaly Diomandé with a small bridge, then Anthony Lopes with a powerful shot in the skylight from the 10th minute of play.
But Laurent Blanc’s players were keen to save their honor and revolted, local players in the lead. Returning to the Rhône this summer, Corentin Tolisso, with a sumptuous strike (60th), then Alexandre Lacazette (68th), put their team back in front, before Bradley Barcola, 20, came to finalize the success of his team (79th) , on a serve from 19-year-old Rayan Cherki.
The fit man: Thijs Dallinga can’t stop
Jostled by Montpellier still in good shape, Toulouse will be able to thank Maxime Dupé, author of several decisive parades, but also his Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga. Author of the only goal of the match, after coming into play in the 7th minute, the Toulouse striker was decisive after 22 minutes on the field.
The effectiveness of the young number 27 has been glaring since the start of 2023. It’s very simple, among all the players of Ligue 1 clubs, no one has scored more than him since the new year has begin. A sense of goal which made the happiness of the TFC to win in Montpellier (2-1). Michel Der Zakarian’s first setback since returning to the Montpellier bench.
Fear: Ligue 2 is getting closer for Ajaccio and Troyes
Hope may have vanished this Sunday, April 9. Beaten on their lawn, respectively by Auxerre (3-0) and Clermont (2-0), Ajaccio and Troyes are bogged down at the bottom of the standings. The two teams are in 19th and 18th place with 21 points, seven behind the first non-relegation player, Brest, 16th with 28 points.
With very complicated calendars by the end of the championship (the two teams will face Paris, Marseille, Lille and Rennes), it will take exploits to save themselves and stay in the elite.