Olympique Lyonnais’ Double Elimination Shakes Niakhaté, Fans, and Season Prospects

French football club Olympique Lyonnais (OL) suffered consecutive exits from the UEFA Europa League and Coupe de France in March 2024, leaving captain and centre-back Kévin Niakhaté visibly distressed. The 31-year-old defender, who has been a cornerstone of OL’s defense since 2017, described the defeats as “devastating” in a press conference following the Coupe de France quarterfinal loss to Montpellier. The eliminations mark a significant setback for a club aiming to reclaim its dominance in French and European football.

OL’s Europa League campaign ended with a 2-1 aggregate loss to Benfica in the Round of 16, while their Coupe de France journey concluded with a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Montpellier after a 2-1 second-leg loss at Stade de la Mosson. Both results were confirmed by official match reports from UEFA and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

What Happened in the Ligue Europa?

OL’s Europa League exit came after a tightly contested Round of 16 tie against Portuguese giants Benfica. The first leg at Stade Groupama ended in a 1-1 draw, with OL’s goal scored by midfielder Herve Peer. The second leg in Lisbon saw Benfica secure a 2-1 victory, with goals from Patrick Bamford and a late penalty from João Félix. The aggregate result confirmed OL’s elimination, as reported by UEFA’s official website.

Niakhaté, who started both matches, later acknowledged the tactical challenges posed by Benfica’s attacking trio. “We tried to limit their width, but their movements were too quick,” he said. “It’s hard to accept, but we have to learn from this.”

How Did the Coupe de France Exit Unfold?

The Coupe de France defeat to Montpellier followed a similar pattern of missed opportunities. OL took a 1-0 lead in the first leg at Stade de la Mosson, with striker Memphis Depay scoring the only goal. However, Montpellier responded with a 2-1 victory in the second leg, thanks to goals from Jordan Ikoko and Youssoufa Moukoko. The aggregate score of 3-2 sent Montpellier to the semifinals, according to LFP records.

Manager Johan Mojica admitted post-match that his team’s lack of composure in critical moments cost them. “We had chances, but we didn’t convert,” he stated. “This is the price of football.”

Why It Matters for OL’s Season

The dual eliminations have intensified pressure on OL, which currently occupies fifth place in Ligue 1 with 56 points from 32 games. The club’s failure to secure European qualification for the 2024-25 season has raised concerns about its long-term competitiveness. OL’s last Ligue 1 title came in 2022, and the team has not won the Coupe de France since 2019.

Analysts note that the exits could impact OL’s transfer strategy. “Without European football, attracting top talent becomes harder,” said sports journalist Thomas Lefevre, citing a recent report from L’Équipe. “The club may need to prioritize immediate results over long-term projects.”

What’s Next for Niakhaté and OL?

Niakhaté, who has been linked with a potential move to Ligue 1 rivals Marseille, remains a key figure for OL. The club’s next match, a home game against Rennes on April 6, will be critical in determining their final league position. OL needs at least three points from their remaining four games to secure a top-four finish and a return to European competition.

“We have to fight until the end,” Niakhaté said. “This season isn’t over yet.”

Comparing the Eliminations: Europa League vs. Coupe de France

The Europa League and Coupe de France exits highlight different challenges for OL. The Europa League loss underscored the difficulty of competing against established European powers, while the Coupe de France defeat exposed inconsistencies in high-stakes matches. Both results, however, share a common thread: a lack of clinical finishing in crucial moments.

According to UEFA’s match statistics, OL averaged 12 shots per game in the Europa League but converted only 15% of them. In the Coupe de France, their shot conversion rate dropped to 10%, with key players like Depay