Recap: Late Fofana strike earns Lyon draw at Lille (1-1)
Match Reports
Les Dogues and Les Gones played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stade Pierre Mauroy thanks to goals from Jonathan David and Malick Fofana
Before both returning to European football next week, Lille and Olympique Lyonnais had important business to deal with in Ligue 1 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on Friday night. It was a first half which saw a flurry of chances as Les Dogues put on some early pressure. Angel Gomes had a huge opportunity to open the scoring after a badly-placed back pass saw the ball fall to Jonathan David, who then in turn played in the Englishman. Gomes set himself up well, but dragged his shot just wide of the post with Lucas Perri scrambling from his other post.
Chances then came for Gudmundsson and Thomas Meunier, but it was inevitable that Jonathan David would find the back of the net. The Canadian latched onto a poor backpass by Maitland-Niles, and rounded Perri to finish into an open net (17'). With Lille in the ascendency, Gomes would go and hit the post via a well-hit freekick from just outside the box. By the half-time whistle, it was logical that the hosts headed into the dressing rooms with goal-lead.
An improved better second period for Lyon
Pierre Sage would have had a few choice words for his side at the interval, as it was clear that Lyon came out for the second half with renewed vigour. Alexandre Lacazette was found in the box by Rayan Cherki but the Frenchman couldn't hit the target in a really good position. Maitland Niles was next with a powerful strike just from the edge of the box which fizzed just over the bar.
Les Gones started to turn the pressure valve, and they even hit the bar through Rayan Cherki after some trickery in the box. Chevalier had to then be on hand to make an impressive double save to stop Nemanja Matic's header from the corner.
Lyon thought they had an equaliser when Maitland-Niles fired a strike from point-blank range after being served by Cherki, yet VAR would intervene for an offside by Niakhate which impeded Chevalier's view. Les Gones didn't give up, and Malick Fofana finally got the leveller, this time latching onto a perfect whipped cross by Maitland Niles, which was buried home by the winger just as the game headed into added-on time (90+1').
THE STAT: Rhône Resilience
Olympique Lyonnais have taken 29 points coming from behind in Ligue 1 matches in 2024 which is more than any other club.
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