Lyonnais and Stéphanois know it well, something always happens in a derby. Finally, in a normal world. Because when it opposes the eleventh to the twentieth, when it is disputed in front of only 5,000 spectators, when it is freezing cold on a Friday evening in January, even the hottest derby in France is in tune. This 124th confrontation between OL and ASSE was of rare mediocrity. Without rhythm, almost without chances, the meeting was only worth it thanks to his indecision. Quickly in front thanks to a penalty obtained and converted by Moussa Dembélé (15th), author of his fourth goal against Saint-Étienne, Lyon never knew how to push their rival.
Struggling in the game, Dembélé had all the same signed a nice feint to offer on a plateau a 2-0 ball to Houssem Aouar, too soft against Paul Bernardoni (38th). In the process, it took a tonic Anthony Lopes to repel a header from close range by Mahdi Camara during the first stephanoise action (41st).
Too limited Foréziens
After the break, as in Troyes last week, the Lyonnais, who sometimes seemed to play with fear in their stomachs, retreated and proceeded against the voluntary but frankly limited Stéphanois. If Houssem Aouar (56th), Tino Kadewere (73rd) and Lucas Paqueta (78th) had opportunities, Peter Bosz’s men really did too little to keep their fans out of a cold sweat. Even against an ASSE team unable to create opportunities despite coaching from Pascal Dupraz who had the merit of energizing the Greens.
If Lyon has nevertheless chained for the second time of the season only a second victory in a row in Ligue 1, it will take much more for Les Gones to go back to the European places. Especially during a month of February which could act as a justice of the peace with direct confrontations against Monaco, Nice, Lens and Lille, without forgetting the late match against Marseille on February 1 or 10. And we don’t even talk about the promise of “attacking and attractive football” launched by Peter Bosz on his arrival. “I’m happy with the three points. I would have liked a second goal. Until the end I was not at peace. We had chances, says the Dutch technician. I repeat, the most important thing is the result”.
Pascal Dupraz is less ambitious in the game. He only promised to give everything to avoid the worst for the Greens, still stuck at the bottom of the standings after this failure in 7th place in Ligue 1. “We had a first half complicated. After the break, we were better. We missed that goal to get back into the game. It is very frustrating. But we’re going to hold on, because a club like that can’t go down to Ligue 2. I haven’t seen a guy let go. It’s a sign”, comments Paul Bernardoni on Prime Video.