UEL Recap: OL Record 30 Total Shots in Loss to Beşiktaş

The Ligue 1 side had more shots, but they couldn't convert them into goals, leaving them with zero points on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Europa League.

In the first 45 minutes of action, the home side recorded 16 total shots while the visitors only recorded three, but the two teams would head into halftime with a scoreless draw.

Lyon recorded 14 shots in the second half but again failed to convert them into goals while Beşiktaş scored in the 71st minute courtesy of a goal from Gedson Fernandes and proved to be the game-winner as the Turkish side left with all three points.

After the loss, OL manager Pierre Sage spoke to the media about his squad generating 30 total shots in the contest but leaving with the loss.

"There's a mix of frustration and a reminder of our responsibility to close out the game when we have the chance. We had several opportunities but didn't take them. They gradually stepped up and could have even added to their lead, while we pushed hard but couldn't score. It reminds me of the match against Marseille."

Sage also noted that Lyon's strategy was the correct one for them to try and secure the victory at home; they'll just need to find a way to ensure that their shots find the back of the net.

"Our goal is to keep the pressure on the opponent by moving the ball quickly into their half and pressing hard when we lose it. I thought we did a good job in the first half, moving the ball fast and creating chances. But in the end, style points don’t matter as much as the final score. We need to turn our good play into goals."

Lyon's next Europa League match will be on November 7th, when they face German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Both teams are coming off a 2-0 loss to FC Porto on Thursday. Both teams will be looking to get back into the win column as they look to secure an automatic spot in the Round of 16.

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