Recap: Cherki, Diakité Score in Draw Between OL, Reims

Olympique Lyonnais and Stade de Reims played a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Stade Auguste Delaune.  

Lyon was the dominant side in the first 45 minutes, recording eight total shots with the goal coming in the 38th minute thanks to Rayan Cherki, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Reims did have a quality first half, recording five shots in total, but they couldn't find the back of the net. Although the home side trailed once the second half started, it wouldn't last long as Oumar Diakité leveled the match in the 55th minute.

In the final 45 minutes, Reims was the dominant side, recording nine shots total while OL countered with five. Despite this turnaround from Luka Elsner and his team, they couldn't find that second goal to secure all three points.

Both teams earned a point after 90 minutes, but it's not the ideal outcome for either side. With the race for European spots next season so tight, every dropped point will be crucial in deciding who secures those places.

Lyon manager Pierre Sage spoke after the draw, expressing disappointment that his team only came away with one point.

"We had a slow start to the second half again, but we should have scored after that. We created plenty of chances. I'm disappointed with the result, especially for the players."

Cherki also noted that OL need to improve how they play in the second half, which was the period in which they conceded the goal to Reims and couldn't find the go-ahead goal.

"We really need to improve how we start the second halves. We know it. We gave them a good 15 minutes where they were able to enjoy themselves. We discuss this after every match, but it’s still not working. That first half was the best we've had in years."

Even with the draw, OL (19 points) occupy the UEFA Europa League spot, and Reims (18 points) sit in the UEFA Europa Conference League spot, but Sunday's action will determine whether these two stay in those positions.

OGC Nice (17 points) and AJ Auxerre (16 points) have the opportunity to take over fifth place, which OL currently occupies. While Nice, AJA, and Toulouse FC (15 points) also have a chance to move into sixth place and push Reims out of that Conference League spot.

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