Because at the same time, the Glasgow Rangers could not do better than a draw with the Danes of Brondby (1-1).

As a result, none of the other three teams in the pool can now take over in the standings the Lyonnais, who have won their four European matches.

Finishing ahead prevents OL from playing the round of 16 against the 3rd in groups of the Champions League in February, a big advantage from a calendar point of view.

To face the Czech club, coach Peter Bosz had chosen to preserve some of his executives such as Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Karl Toko Ekambi, Léo Dubois, Emerson Palmieri or even Jérôme Boateng in anticipation of the L1 match in Rennes on Sunday.

The first three cities entered in the 68th minute.

This rotation also allowed to give playing time to Slimani, Rayan Cherki, Damien Da Silva, Henrique or Thiago Silva who play little.

Young Bradley Barcola was also able to enter late in the game (81).

Lyon striker Rayan Cherki against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, November 4, 2021 in Décines-Charpieu OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP

As the qualification is acquired, they should still be able to express themselves during the last two matches of this group A of C3.

After a disappointing first period during which OL did not frame any shot, Lyon took the advantage just after the hour mark on a double from Slimani.

Two goals in quick succession

The latter, launched by Cherki, eliminated the goalkeeper in the area to score in the empty cage (61st) before heading back to a millimeter center delivered by Maxence Caqueret (63rd).

In the first period, the Algerian international missed a great opportunity by missing the target after his duel with goalkeeper Florien Nita (29th).

Lyon defender Damien Da Silva (r) fighting with Sparta Prague striker Matej Pulkrab in the Europa League, November 4, 2021 in Décines-Charpieu OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP

At the very end of the game, Toko Ekambi added a third goal by taking a close lead from a Barcola cross (90 + 2).

For his part, goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was decisive on a shot from Jakub Pesek (27th) but also on a header from Ladislav Krejci (85th).

This success is deserved as is the qualification in a group where the opposition has proved to be quite weak.

Securing first place in the group after only four days will allow Olympique Lyonnais to manage their squad while the Europa League chain on Thursday with Ligue 1 on Sunday is never easy.

So far, after the first three European days, Lyon has never won three days later (defeats in Paris and Nice, draw in Saint-Etienne).

But Sunday in Rennes, against a direct opponent in the fight to get on the podium, Lyon will have no excuse in terms of recovery: the Rennais also played this Thursday in the Europa Conference Conference against the Slovenes of Mura.

In addition, OL could still be exposed to sanctions from UEFA for lack of security in its stadium after the intrusion on the lawn of two individuals disguised as Dalton at the end of the first period.

© 2021 AFP