A rout which very probably deprives OL of their last chance to qualify for a European Cup next season and which angered Lyon supporters after the match.

Some of them came out of the North Bend to vigorously shake the metal barriers intended to prevent ground invasions.

A few stewards were mistreated.

OL, 10th in Ligue 1, will now have to quickly find the recipe for success in the league which they have not been able to do in 31 days if they want to hang on to European qualification at the last minute.

If it fails, the Rhone club, which lost its first match in C3 this Thursday evening in 2021-2022, would not play in European competition for the second time in three years, which would not be without economic consequences.

OL will already have to overcome this immense European disappointment on Sunday with the reception of Bordeaux, 19th who are playing their survival in Elite (5:05 p.m.).

Otherwise the end of the season risks being long for OL and their supporters.

However, the draw (1-1) obtained in the first leg, on April 7 in London, had given rise to some hopes even if the Lyonnais could have done better, especially by playing eleven against ten during a half and with a total of 23 shots for a single goal.

In a white-hot stadium, OL got off to a good start and dominated the first period.

The joy of the West Ham players on the goal of Declan Rice (N.41) contrasts with the distress of the Lyonnais, beaten 3-0 in Décines, April 14, 2022 Jeff PACHOUD AFP

But his chronic lack of realism cost him dearly.

One more time.

Karl Toko Ekambi, his top scorer in the Europa League (6 goals), found Alphonse Areola's right post in the 5th minute before Moussa Dembélé missed a great chance on a cross delivered from the right wing by Malo Gusto ( 10).

Finally, a recovery from Toko Ekambi, after a new cross from Gusto, was stopped by Areola (27).

No doubt, Lyon he missed his chance at that time.

Three goals in ten minutes

Already in the 24th minute, a recovery from Jarrod Bowen had missed the target after a cross from Michail Antonio before the Lyonnais were surprised on a corner played from the left wing and headed by Craig Dawson.

The latter got rid of Dembélé's marking while Julian Pollersbeck, who replaced the injured Anthony Lopes, was powerless (38th, 1-0).

Six minutes later, West Ham stunned their opponent with a goal from Declan Rice scored with a shot from the right deflected by the young Castello Lukeba (44th, 2-0).

West Ham ruthless against Olympique Lyonnais, humiliated at home in the Europa League, April 14, 2022 Jeff PACHOUD AFP

Upon returning from the locker room, Peter Bosz had no choice but to bring in Lucas Paquetà, announced ill the day before, and the Brazilian Tetê, the club's latest recruit but not yet at his peak of form, to try to to come back.

But OL were countered from the start with a goal from Bowen which adjusted Pollersbeck after taking advantage of a poor placement by the Lyon defense (48th, 3-0).

With three goals in ten minutes, West Ham sent Lyon back to the shortcomings they have displayed all season.

And questions about the maintenance of his coach Peter Bosz, the general policy of the club and the recruitment which has weakened the team will inevitably arise.

© 2022 AFP