UEL Recap: Lyon trounce Rangers to go second

After a big win from Brest on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, Olympique Lyonnais followed suit for Ligue 1 McDonald's this evening by going on the road to score four goals in a big UEFA Europa League win against Rangers. The two teams had squared off several times before in Europe, but never had Les Gones looked as impressive in dispatching the Scottish side as they had tonight, weathering an early wobble and injuries to Clinton Mata and Nemanja Matic thanks to a brace each from youngster Malick Fofana and captain Alexandre Lacazette to maintain their perfect start to their European campaign. 

A nervy start

At a bouncing Ibrox, the hosts, who had been 2-0 winners away to Malmo on the opening day, got off to a strong start, with James Tavernier testing Lyon 'keeper Lucas Perri within three minutes of kickoff. The Brazilian made a fine save in response, and from there, Lyon began to take advantage of Rangers' attacking approach, and it wasn't long before they found a crack in their defence, with Fofana, a surprise starter ahead of Saïd Benrahma, slotting home moments after Lacazette had a shot from close range saved. 

From there, OL would grow in confidence, despite Rangers scoring just three minutes after Fofana. Fofana smartly read a misplaced backpass from Rangers and sprinted into the box, before smartly holding up the ball before squaring the ball to Lacazette, who restored Les Gones' lead. Just after the half-hour mark, Fofana nearly had a double, but for some good work by the opposing 'keeper. With a 2-1 lead and having largely quieted the large crowd, Lyon were in control, but were far from done. 

WHAT A GOAL BY ALEX LACAZETTE 🚀

Rangers 1-3 Lyon 🦁🤩 pic.twitter.com/wjvBx9OvTl

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 3, 2024

Lacazette shows his class

Into stoppage time in the first half, Lacazette drove forward on the edge of the area and let fly with a powerful shot that found the top corner, stunning the crowd and doubling his side's lead. Ten minutes into the second half, Lyon had their fourth, with Cherki playing in Fofana after a mazy run before the Belgian tapped in at the far post. Cherki, who was impressive throughout, had his second assist, and while Lyon would have further opportunities as an effort from Corentin Tolisso was cleared off the line, neither side would find the net again.

It was thus job done for Pierre Sage and his side, who are one of just five teams to have won both of their first two matches in the competition. Now, they'll return to Ligue 1 McDonald's action, hosting FC Nantes before the break, before welcoming Besiktas to Groupama Stadium on Matchday 3 of the Europa League. 

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(header photo from OL.fr)