Longeville-lès-Metz (France) (AFP)

Five days before the knockout stages of the Champions League against Juventus Turin, Lyon was somewhat reassured by going to win in Metz (2-0) Friday, ending a streak of four games without a win in L1.

A goal by Moussa Dembélé from the penalty spot just before half-time (45th + 8) and another by Houssem Aouar at the very end of the match (90th + 3) allowed OL to win at Stade Saint-Symphorien and thus be able to deal more calmly with its European shock, Wednesday at Parc OL.

The Lyonnais, who had not won in more than three weeks, lining up in four league games 2 draws and 2 defeats, revive and temporarily go back up to sixth place with 37 points, four lengths from the third, Rennes.

However, the Rhodaniens did not shine and will have to be much sharper against the Old Lady to hope to obtain a good result. If they have been solid defensively, the Rudi Garcia players seemed short of ideas in the attacking sector and did not create many free opportunities.

For this meeting, the Lyonnais coach had decided to launch his Brazilian winter rookie Bruno Guimaraes, who played his first meeting since his arrival in the Rhône in early February. In addition, the right lateral Léo Dubois made his return after an injury to the meniscus of the left knee which occurred on November 30.

Metz, who conceded a second consecutive defeat at home, remains 15th with 28 points and remains two lengths ahead of the roadblocker, Dijon, and seven over the first relegation, Amiens, whom he will challenge next weekend.

- Confusion -

The scenario finally changed just before half-time on a corner kick taken by Martin Terrier: in the fight with Jason Denayer, Matthieu Udol touched the ball with the arm and after several minutes of uncertainty, the referee whistled penalty after having consulted the VAR (45th).

Cornet's first attempt was rejected by Alexandre Oukidja, who had however clearly advanced. In the confusion, the referee therefore ordered that the penalty be withdrawn, and Dembélé did not miss the opportunity to open the score (0-1, 45th + 8).

In the second half, OL managed their advantage without being too worried, but without being inspired either, even when they advanced in numerical superiority after the exclusion of Habib Diallo for slapping Marçal (82nd ).

Apart from a Terrier goal logically refused for offside (67th), the only real Lyon opportunity was a shot from Toko Ekambi repulsed by Oukidja (73rd). Until Aouar's goal in added time, who took advantage of the rise of Oukidja on a corner to double the mark against against the empty goal (0-2, 90th + 3).

© 2020 AFP