By Le Figaro with AFP
Published yesterday at 10:59 p.m., Updated yesterday at 11:15 p.m.
Billy Vunipola escapes the tackle of Lyonnais Yanis Charcosset. PAUL CHILDS / REUTERS
Already assured of playing in the round of 16, LOU held out for a long time in London before breaking down at the end of the match. A defeat which deprives them of a round of 16 at home.
Lyon lost to Saracens (39-24) this Saturday evening in London, during the fourth and final day of the Champions Cup group stage.
Already qualified before this meeting, LOU however misses the opportunity to return to second place in their group and will therefore have to travel during their round of 16. Saracens, who needed a point to regain the fourth and final qualifying place in Connacht, are also qualified after this improved success.
The LOU has long believed in the feat
However, the LOU has long believed in the feat. After a quick try from Saracens scrum half Ivan van Zyl, the Lyonnais took the advantage thanks to the elusive wingers Davit Niniashvili (15th) and center Josiah Maraku, author of a double (40th, 45th).
But coming back up to par thanks to their English international second row Maro Itoje (44th, 56th), the Sarries only increased the pressure on the Rhone residents who failed on a try from third row Juan Martin Gonzalez (69th).
Read alsoChampions Cup: in video, the summary of LOU’s defeat against Saracens
For the return of the Top 14, LOU, stuck in 13th place, will host Perpignan (11th, 21 pts) next week, in a meeting which could already count for maintenance.
