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Pépé the hero as LOSC move out of drop zone

Pépé the hero as LOSC move out of drop zone

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Publish on 05/06 at 00:00 - S. WILLIS

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Nicolas Pépé scored a double as LOSC recovered from 2-1 down at relegation rivals Toulouse to win 3-2 and move out of the drop zone.

Toulouse FC 2-3 LOSC

THE MATCH

Toulouse, 17th, hosted LOSC, 19th at the start of play, in what was always going to be a tense occasion. LOSC had beaten Metz in Week 35 to give themselves hope of beating the drop and things started superbly for Christophe Galtier's side on a sunny Sunday afternoon as Pépé gave the visitors a fifth-minute lead.

Kévin Malcuit's cross from the right was met by the in-form Ivorian international with a sumptuous back-heel. The lead did not last long as in the ninth minute Corentin Jean equalised, finishing off Andy Delort's free-kick at the far post.

Mike Maignan saved from Somalia (16') and at the other end Alban Lafont kept out Yves Bissouma (29'). Toulouse went in front (44') as they again underlined their prowess from set-pieces, refusing to take no for an answer as Ibrahim Sangaré fought to win a header before Christopher Jullien finished right-footed for his first goal of the season.

On the hour Lafont enjoyed a bit of fortune as he managed to tip a swerving Bissouma shot from range over the bar. Bissouma had served notice of his intent and came up with an even better strike (80') to equalise with a hammer of a swerving free-kick from 35 metres-plus. Lafont might have regretted not setting up a full wall.

LOSC had deserved to be on terms and it soon got even better (82') as Pépé rounded Lafont and rolled the ball into the empty net. LOSC climbed from 19th to 16th with two rounds of matches remaining.

THE PLAYER: Nicolas Pépé

The Ivorian international attacker has scored four goals in his last five Ligue 1 Conforama starts and is now onto an impressive 13 for the season in a struggling side.

THE STAT: 18

Toulouse have scored 18 of their 34 Ligue 1 Conforama goals from set-pieces this season, the highest ratio in the division.


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