After the convincing victory of OL over Rennes (4-2), discover what caught the attention of the Figaro editorial staff.
TOPS
Aphonso Moreira in full swing Great revelation of the Lyonnais season, the young Portuguese (21 years old) was involved in all the good moves this Sunday evening during OL’s victory against Stade Rennais (4-2). A dynamo throughout the match on his left side, capable of making a difference at any moment to unsettle the Breton defense, Aphonso Moreira notably provoked the crucial penalty of Corentin Tolisso in the first half. Upon returning from halftime, he rewarded himself for his very good performance by scoring the third goal for Lyon, well served by Abner in the box (52nd minute). An indispensable player in Paulo Fonseca’s starting lineup.
Corentin Tolisso shines again From the first minute, the French international remained on the ground for a long time after a violent collision, visibly dazed. The worst was feared. But Corentin Tolisso eventually got back up, took the time to collect himself, and then let his talent speak. Delivering a marvelous cross to his striker Roman Yaremchuk for the equalizing goal (37th minute), the 2018 World Cup champion then converted a penalty won by Aphonso Moreira without hesitation a few moments later (42nd minute).
In the second half, he smoothly diverted Endrick for the break goal. Another commanding performance by the former Bayern player, who clearly deserves to be part of the discussion for the players called up for the France team at the 2026 World Cup (June 11-July 19).
The masterpiece of Al-Tamari And the light shone from the foot of Mousa Al-Tamari. Found in the penalty area by a wonderful pass from Esteban Lepaul (top scorer of the league), the Jordanian international magnificently positioned himself and attempted a sublime left-footed shot in a very tight angle. The ball nestled in the top corner of Dominik Greif’s goal, completely beaten. A prodigious display of technique and balance. One of the goals of the year. Enough to silence the Groupama Stadium from the 6th minute, especially in a game of such significance. Far from being satisfied, Al-Tamari was also decisive in the second goal by providing a perfect ground-level cross to Lepaul, returning the favor (48th minute).
FLOPS
A struggling Rennes defense The major downside of the evening for Franck Haise’s team. The Rennes defenders were completely overwhelmed this Sunday evening. Dominated in the air by Yaremchuk and outpaced by Moreira, Lilian Brassier and his three partners were the main culprits of Stade Rennais’ defeat. In the second half, a gap in the penalty area allowed Moreira, once again, to score Lyon’s third goal. The depth coverage was clearly lacking among the Breton center-backs, who will need to show more dominance to hope for Rennes to secure a European spot.
Embolo dominated A shot stopped by Dominik Greif at the end of the first half stands out. Otherwise, Breel Embolo was marginalized in this trip to Lyon, especially compared to his teammate Lepaul (one goal and one assist). Unable to impact the game with his back to goal, often dominated in his duels with the Lyon center-backs, the Swiss international struggled to make an impression in this fine evening for the French league. He did play the full match though. Curious.
