Opposition Watch: Lyon move up to fourth
Monday 14 April 2025 09:30
Lyon warmed up for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford with an excellent away win at Auxerre.
Les Gones secured a 3-1 triumph on Sunday night and moved up to fourth place in the Ligue 1 table, as they look to reach next season’s Champions League via one of the two routes.
Coach Paulo Fonseca made five changes to the team on duty against the Reds, including resting three of the four starting defenders, and yet still managed to gain the three points.
Georges Mikautadze and Rayan Cherki, scorer of the late equaliser in the first leg, were in fine form to help propel the visitors to victory.
As Alexandre Lacazette had a goal ruled out for offside and twice went close with other efforts, the first half remained goalless.
Mikautadze earned and then converted a penalty to open the scoring, with Cherki stroking home a splendid shot to double the lead, from Corentin Tolisso’s assist.
Lassine Sinayoko gave Auxerre hope when firing past Lucas Perri to reduce the deficit, only for Mikautadze to set up Lacazette for an 84th-minute clincher.
It was a fourth win out of the last five league games for Lyon, and sets them up for the big tussle at Old Trafford, with the score currently tied at 2-2.
We await news on Fonseca’s travelling squad but Ernest Nuamah is out for the rest of the season, after being injured against Lille a week ago. Tanner Tessman and Paul Akoukou were both okay at the weekend after initially being flagged as doubts. Malick Fofana is closing on a return and could hope to feature.
Former Red Nemanja Matic started in midfield after being an unused substitute in the first leg.
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Monday 14 April 2025 09:30
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