Lyon held by Paris FC as Tolisso penalty salvages late draw

Olympique Lyonnais avoided another damaging defeat thanks to a dramatic 90+7th-minute penalty from captain Corentin Tolisso, earning a 1-1 draw against Paris FC at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday night.

The visitors had looked set to pull off a major result after Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, but Lyon’s late pressure eventually told as the hosts forced an equaliser deep into stoppage time. The result means Lyon drop to fourth place, level on points with Olympique de Marseille but behind on goal difference.

Paris FC punish Lyon in the second half

After a balanced first half in which Lyon struggled to break down a disciplined Paris FC side, the visitors struck shortly after the hour mark.

A shot from inside the box was initially saved by Lucas Perri Greif, but the rebound fell kindly for Munetsi, who tapped home. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR confirmed the strike, giving Paris FC a deserved lead. Antoine Kombouaré’s side continued to threaten on the counter and nearly doubled their advantage late on, when Matteo Koleosho struck the crossbar after Greif denied Munetsi one-on-one.

VAR intervention changes everything

Lyon piled forward in the closing minutes and were awarded a lifeline in stoppage time.

Following a VAR review, referee Eric Wattellier pointed to the penalty spot after a handball inside the Paris FC area. Tolisso stepped up and fired his spot kick past Kevin Trapp with power to level the match in the 97th minute. The goal brought relief to the home crowd and ensured Lyon halted their losing streak after defeats to Strasbourg, Marseille and Lens.

Tolisso: “I must lead by example”

Speaking after the match, Tolisso highlighted the responsibility he feels as captain.

“I’m the captain, I have to set the example. Even if my performance wasn’t perfect, I didn’t want the team to see me give up. It was important that I took responsibility for the penalty.”

The midfielder also reiterated his determination to return to the French national team.

“Of course I want to go back to the national team. I work every day for that. I know it comes through good performances with my club.”

Lyon youngster rewarded with professional deal

Earlier in the evening, Lyon also confirmed promising 18-year-old Rémi Himbert will sign his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal with an optional fourth season. The academy product has made a strong impression in recent weeks, scoring three goals in nine first-team appearances and starting Sunday’s match.

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