Five matches were on the program this Sunday in Ligue 1, as part of the 18th day, before Lens-PSG at 8:45 p.m. Brest continued its superb season by quietly defeating Montpellier (2-0), while Lille easily beat Lorient (3-0), the new bottom. At the bottom of the standings, Toulouse (1-0 at Metz) and Clermont (2-1 at Nantes) scored valuable away successes and put an end to a drought which stretched over several months, while Lyon fell back into its across to Le Havre (1-3). Here’s what to remember from this afternoon.
The performance: Brest always higher
The surprise of the season is no longer really one. Always very coherent, Stade Brestois logically beat Montpellier (2-0) and behaves like a team fully concerned by the race for Europe. Even when she’s not flaring, she’s able to carry it without trembling.
Goals from Hugo Magnetti (48th) and Jérémy Le Douaron (90th + 3), each time on well-executed actions, were enough for the Bretons to achieve a sixth victory in seven games. Brest continues to refuel and occupies, thanks to the defeats of Monaco and Nice, only third place in Ligue 1. PSG, the next opponent of Éric Roy’s players in Ligue 1 (January 28), has been warned.
The relapse: Lyon falls back into its failings in Le Havre
OL, who were thought to be cured since the arrival of Pierre Sage, remain convalescing. The Lyonnais were clearly dominated on the Le Havre pitch (1-3) and conceded their first defeat in a month. Nothing worked for Lyon, undermined by the expulsion of Jake O’Brien on an uncontrolled sole (33rd). Les Gones did not wait to be one less to falter, with an early goal from Gauthier Lloris from a corner (18th).
Failing in the commitment and uninspired offensively, the Lyonnais conceded two other goals, by Emmanuel Sabbi (50th) and Christopher Opéri (62nd) with a beautiful floating strike from the left. The reduction in Alexandre Lacazette’s score (54th) changes nothing: OL, who also finished at nine with another red for Duje Caleta-Car (90th), become a barrage again and have no margin.
The counter-performance: Nantes puts itself in danger
By replacing Pierre Aristouy with Jocelyn Gourvennec at the end of November, Nantes did not expect that. With this embarrassing defeat against Clermont (1-2) at La Beaujoire, the Breton technician now has a catastrophic record, with four defeats in five matches. The Nantais certainly finished the match with ten men after Bénie Traoré’s red (73rd), but they especially collapsed in the last minutes, on a goal from Jim Allevinah (89th).
This defeat is embarrassing in more than one way: the Canaries (13th) not only slide dangerously towards the red zone, but they also revive a direct competitor. Two months after its last success, Clermont comes back to life and leaves last place. The Auvergnats (17th) are only two points behind the play-off, Lyon… and four points from Nantes.
The player: Zhegrova plays her like Robben
He is definitely the thrill player of Losc this season. Driving force of the Lille attack against Lorient (3-0), Edon Zhegrova has long lacked success. The Kosovar, very impactful as usual, wore down a decimated Lorient team (injuries, CAN) and harmless (1 shot). His undermining work (3 successful dribbles, 6 shots) and his self-sacrifice were rewarded with a brilliant goal in the last minute, in his characteristic style inspired by Arjen Robben.
Starting from her right lane, Zhegrova fixed two defenders with a subtle double-contact before linking a tense shot from the left from 25 m, directly into the small Lorient net. The conclusion of a quiet afternoon for Lille (5th), two points from the podium.
The figure: Toulouse, 105 days later
Toulouse finally comes back to life. 105 days after its last victory in Ligue 1 (against… Metz, 3-0), Téfécé found success against the same Messins at Saint-Symphorien (1-0). A penalty, obtained and converted by Vincent Sierro (11th), was enough for Toulouse to maintain this ultra-precious success. Carles Martinez Novell’s players (14th), consistent in Europe but disappointing in L 1, thus leave the red zone where Metz is diving. Georges Mikautadze’s first since his return did not make up for the Lorraine’s offensive shortage (one goal in five games). Metz is tied on points with OL, play-offs.
