Endrick and Afonso Moreira were once again decisive and helped Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon defeat second-tier Laval 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the French Cup.
Despite clear favoritism against the penultimate team in the French second division, Lyon had some difficulties and only broke the deadlock in the second half, at 80′. In the first half, through counterattacks, Camara (10′ and 30′) created a lot of danger and helped Descamps avoid greater harm for Paulo Fonseca’s team. At 33′, Lyon’s first big opportunity came at the feet of Merah, who hit the woodwork after an offer from Laval’s defense.
In the second half, at 80′, Lyon unlocked the lead thanks to Endrick, who has gained new life in France, after a first half of the season without many opportunities at Real Madrid. The Brazilian striker anticipated the defense with a subtle touch and, from the edge of the area, fired a powerful shot that gave goalkeeper Hautbois no chance.
In the injury time, Afonso Moreira, launched during the match, made the final result 2-0. The ex-Sporting man gave new life to an attacking move that seemed lost and shot with his right foot into the back of the net. The ball even hit the Laval goalkeeper before going in.
Lyon’s next challenge, which has won 11 in a row, is on Saturday, the 7th, against Nantes, counting for the 21st round of Ligue 1.
In addition to Lyon, Lorient, who defeated Paris, PSG’s executioner in the French Cup, and Toulouse, who defeated Amiens, continue to advance. Nice, without Tiago Gouveia, was losing 0-2, but managed an incredible comeback with goals from Boudache (72′), Mendy (89′) and Diop (90+7′).
