Montpellier Hérault SC 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais

THE MATCH

Blanc’s debut as coach of OL had ended in a 3-2 defeat at Stade Rennais FC last weekend but he saw enough in that game to keep faith in the majority of the players who started in Brittany. Among those was Houssem Aouar – he made his first appearance since the opening night of the campaign in the match in Rennes and started again here before opening the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing low into the net after being picked out by Lacazette’s low ball across the six-yard area.

Lyon held their lead until 20 minutes from time when managerless Montpellier equalised in style. Jordan Ferri’s flighted ball into the penalty area was met by Elye Wahi, who scored with a stunning overhead kick to make it 1-1.

Double sending-off

The hosts would then have been hopeful of taking something from their first game with former player Romain Pitau in interim charge following the sacking of Olivier Dall’Oglio earlier in the week.

More drama then followed as both sides were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute. Montpellier winger Stephy Mavididi was so angered by a foul on him by Sinaly Diomandé that he ran to square up to the Lyon defender, and both players saw red cards for their troubles.

Lyon kept their heads to grab the winner in the last minute, however, as Maxence Caqueret broke into the area before setting up Lacazette to sweep a shot into the net. The win for OL ends a run of six matches without a victory and Blanc – who was facing one of his former clubs here – is up and running.

THE PLAYER: Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette was the hero as his seventh goal of the season secured a much-needed win for Lyon. He now has three in two games under new coach Blanc. The former Arsenal star also set up Aouar’s opening goal.

THE STAT: 10

Montpellier have now picked up 10 red cards in Ligue 1 in 2022.

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