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Europa League: Monaco joins Lyon in the round of 16

After the defeat of OM in Galatasaray (4-2) synonymous with elimination in the Europa League and the draw of Rennes (3-3, hat-trick from Laborde) against Vitesse Arnhem which allows him to qualify directly for the 8th of final of the Conference League, Monaco and Lyon, the two other French clubs competing this Thursday evening in the European Cup have, for their part, managed to win.

Monaco composted its direct ticket for the round of 16 of the Europa League by winning against Real Sociedad (2-1) in the “group B final”. A big performance against a Basque team which had been unbeaten in all competitions since mid-August (17 games).

Niko Kovac had promised that his team would not just play the draw (which would have been enough for him to qualify). She therefore kept her word. In the first period, Kevin Volland (1-0, 28th) and Youssouf Fofana (2-0, 37th) scored while Isak had equalized in the meantime (2-1, 35th).

If Nübel was not always reassuring in his goals, the Monegasques managed to hold on. “It was a tough group, Champions League level, we were keen to qualify, we did it, welcomes defender Djibril Sidibe at the microphone of Canal +. We knew we would have weak times against this big Real team, but we remained united. We know it was a different context but we have to rely on this kind of service in L1. It’s up to us to question ourselves to start a series, because the championship remains the most important. “

The black point of this evening is the exit of Bruno Badiashile (67th) on injury (thigh). Best Monegasque on the lawn, beyond his goal, Fofana (10 recoveries) tarnished his good performance with a red card following a bad reaction after having suffered a foul (89th).

Lyon has held its rank

For its part, Lyon already assured of finishing first in its group A after its victory against Sparta Prague (3-0) in early November, aligned in Brondby a team where Peter Bosz had made a big turn-over. The Lyon coach abandoned his usual 4-3-3 for a 4-4-2, very offensive never used, with Dembélé, back two months after his fibula crack, Slimani, Kadewere and Cherki at the start. In central defense, Castello Lukeba was himself holder for the first time in the Europa League.

After the Danish opener at the start of the second half (50th), Ryan Cherki (18) scored a double (57th, 66th) then Islam Slimani, author of a decisive double against Sparta Prague, scored his 3rd goal in this competition (1-3, 76th). Lyon continues its clear round with this 5th victory in 5 days.

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