Although it was impossible to legally watch their match live, the Lyonnais qualified directly for the round of 16 of the Europa League. Thursday evening, OL scored a sixth victory in seven C3 league phase matches. Les Gones brought back three points from their trip to Switzerland, against Young Boys Berne (1-0). This result secures their place in the Top 8 at the end of the first round, a ranking synonymous with a jump to the eighth, without passing through the play-off box.
Facing the 21st in the league phase at kick-off, Olympique Lyonnais was satisfied with the minimum, provided by Ainsley Maitland-Niles during added time of the first period (1-0, 45th + 1). The Rhone residents are not the only ones to have validated their place for the rest this Thursday. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa won by the same margin on the Fenerbahçe pitch (1-0). The Villans have the same record as Paulo Fonseca’s team, but a less advantageous goal difference.
Always at the top
For now, Lyon retains its throne as leader of the league phase. He will not be dispossessed of it at the end of this 7th day. In order to complete this first round in pole position, it will be a matter of maintaining this great European momentum during the 8th and final day against Paok Salonika, next Thursday.
