Still very disappointing, OL ended this first part of the season with a draw against a solid team from Nice (1-1). Nearly a month after his arrival, Laurent Blanc’s record clearly leaves something to be desired. Here are the Tops and Flops of this match between Lyonnais and Azuriens.
Tops from OL-Nice
The Bad Gones celebrate their 35th anniversary with dignity
Born in 1987, the regulars of the Virage Nord celebrated their 35th candle tonight. For this important date, the Rhone ultras had prepared the evening well. First hidden behind a large red curtain reminiscent of a theater stage, several tifos tracing the history of the group and the capital of Gaul were deployed throughout the evening.
? Let’s go to Groupama Stadium!
Join us to experience this encounter live on Prime Video.
▶️ https://t.co/elI8TBLvJV #OLOGCN #Ligue1UberEats #PrimeVideoLigue1 pic.twitter.com/qqANIJ6W70
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) November 11, 2022
A superb pyrotechnic show completed this historic event. We will also note a beautiful banner in homage to the “former dead for France” on this commemorative day of November 11. In a Groupama Stadium full as an egg, the match being sold out, the Bad Gones delivered an impressive performance in a sporting context that had not been very exciting for several weeks.
Happy birthday to the ??? ?????! ??? pic.twitter.com/dFTOaJfDhp
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) November 11, 2022
Karim Benzema, the return of the prodigal son
A few weeks after his triumph, Karim Benzema came to present the famous trophy to his city of birth. Trained by the Rhone Academy, the striker experienced his first great hours between 2004 and 2009. The Habs played 118 games and scored 56 goals under the lion’s tunic. After a frankly unpleasant first half, the Madrid striker came to bring a little happiness to an audience that really needed it. Not sure, however, that he reveled in the performance of his former team.
? THE CHILLS ?@Benzema presents his Ballon d’Or to the people of Lyon!#OL #Benzema #Ligue1UberEats #PrimeVideoLigue1 pic.twitter.com/V4gUCXOFhR
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) November 11, 2022
It was accompanied by Bernard Lacombe that the Madrid star returned triumphantly to the lawn of Groupama Stadium before starting a nice lap of honor.
Stirring Sofiane Diop
Aligned on his left side, the French delivered a very good performance in line with his entry into play against Brest (1-0). With 5 duels won out of 7 disputed, the native of Tours put his opponents in difficulty. His contribution without the ball is not to be overlooked either (4 tackles and 2 interceptions). Unfortunately hit on a bad support, the hope of the Aiglons was forced to leave his place after the hour mark.
OL-Nice Flops
Aouar and Caqueret, a far too discreet duo
Just like during the defeat at the Vélodrome (1-0), the middle of Les Gones, far too weak technically, did not manage to influence the meeting. Regarding the Maxence Caqueret case, this disappointing performance is unfortunately in line with the last. Too neutral and unable to make differences, the 22-year-old is slow to confirm the hopes that surrounded him when he started out. For Houssem Aouar, the record is not really better (70 balls hit but only one key pass). The former tricolor international does not honor the trust of his coach. Still too tender in his interventions, he does not live up to his status as an experienced executive.
OL are still sleeping
If a generous penalty comes to avoid the worst, OL clearly did not reassure. The change of coach does not seem to have brought this boost which this team badly needs. Without imagination, unable to put movement and a semblance of speed, this collective no longer scares anyone and deserves its place in the soft underbelly of the championship. It was therefore necessary to wait for the 72nd minute of play and a timid attempt by Romain Faivre to witness the first shot on target of the evening. Nice can clearly harbor regrets as victory seemed attainable.
