Two goals in the first period allowed OL to take a break from a very enterprising northern team, then to end the game victoriously, not without having trembled half an hour after the reduction in Lensoise’s score.
What you must remember
After being beaten 3-2 in Nice while leading 2-0 in the 80th minute, the Lyonnais seemed to take cover in the first period thanks to goals from Toko-Ekambi from the penalty spot (25th) and d ‘Aouar (41st). Lens scored through Clauss but was denied the goal for an offside position (34th). After the break, the Northerners took control of operations and reduced the score by Kalimuendo, following a one-two with Kakuta (2-1, 61st). OL saw the specter of a new comeback at their expense but finally managed to preserve the victory.
The player: Houssem Aouar
Head scorer after being initiated and concluded a good movement at the end of the first period, Aouar signed his 3rd goal in Ligue 1 this season. Goals to which should be added two achievements in the Europa League. The young Gones midfielder, 23, is gradually returning to his best level after repeated injuries marred him last season. Aouar appreciates the coach Peter Bosz, who aligns him either on the left, or in the midfield or a notch higher in support of the striker, as this Saturday against Lens. In ascending physical form, he took part in 12 OL games this season and was ten times the holder. A consistency that could once again attract the attention of Didier Deschamps.
The number: 10
Arnaud Kalimuendo scored his 10th goal in Ligue 1 at 19. Since Kylian Mbappé, the Parisian titi, loaned to RC Lens for the second consecutive season, is the youngest player to reach this milestone.
The reaction
Gaël Kakuta at the microphone of Canal + : “I have the first chance when I come in, even if afterwards I am rewarded with an assist (for Kalimuendo). It’s a team you have to play ball against. They have technical mastery throughout the game and they win all three points. We finished well as usual and showed a beautiful face. We fell back a bit early in the game and that gave them confidence. At least there was room to draw. “
