A week after upsetting the undisputed leader of the championship, Paris SG (1-1), the Lyonnais were not as brilliant in Aube but did what was necessary to win after five games without a win in L1.

With more efficiency, they could have taken cover from the first period, especially after Moussa Dembélé's goal from the penalty spot (33rd).

But Peter Bosz and his players will be satisfied with this narrow victory which allows them to get back into the fight for European places.

The Rhodaniens, who have a late match to play against Marseille, indeed go back to tenth place with 28 points, just six lengths from fourth, Rennes.

Enough to confidently approach the derby at Groupama Stadium on Friday (9:00 p.m.) against the great rival, Saint-Etienne, who vegetates in last place in L1.

For his debut on the Estac bench, Bruno Irles, who replaced Laurent Batlles two weeks ago, failed to score a first success.

Very often standing in front of his bench, he witnessed helplessly the defeat of his players, who were rarely dangerous.

Troyes coach Bruno Irles during the home match of the 21st day of Ligue 1 against Lyon, January 16, 2022 at the Stade de l'Aube FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI AFP

After this 11th setback in 20 matches, the Champagne club remains very close to the relegation zone: 17th with 17 points, it is only ahead of Lorient (18th) and Bordeaux (19th) on goal difference.

Trojan goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon, after the home defeat, 1-0 against Lyon, during the 21st day of Ligue 1 against Lyon, January 16, 2022 at the Stade de l'Aube FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI AFP

Despite his control over the game, it took half an hour to see the first big chance for Olympique Lyonnais: with a touch of the ball, Bruno Guimaraes served at the entrance to the surface Lucas Paqueta, who took over without control, but Gauthier Gallon defended himself very well to prevent the ball from entering (30th).

The Trojan goalkeeper, on the other hand, was powerless a few minutes later on a penalty from Dembélé, following an involuntary hand from Erik Palmer-Brown, who had his back to the ball (0-1, 33rd).

Rescue of Dubois

The Rhodaniens, in confidence, pushed to take shelter and on a new combination between Brazilians, Guimaraes, very precious on Sunday, served Paqueta, who chained a control and a powerful shot repelled superbly from the foot by Gallon (41st ).

The Aube goalkeeper then sprang at the feet of Dembélé to counter his attempt at close range (45th), then a few seconds later, he was saved by his post on a shot from Léo Dubois who had just made a slalom in the defense of the Estac (45th).

After the break, Lyon quietly managed their goal in advance against Champenois unable to approach the opposing surface.

OL could have worsened the score but neither Houssem Aouar (56th), nor Maxence Caqueret (74th), nor Xherdan Shaqiri (85th) managed to conclude and they almost got punished.

Trojan striker Renaud Ripart tries to deceive Lyon's Portuguese goalkeeper, Anthony Lope, during the 21st day of Ligue 1, January 16, 2022 at the Stade de l'Aube FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI AFP

After a header from Palmer-Brown above on a corner (80th), Estac almost snatched the equalizer on the last action of the match but Renaud Ripart's acrobatic return was cleared on his line by Dubois (90th + 2).

© 2022 AFP