Toulouse 2-1 Lyon
Lyon failed to make the most of a perfect assist from Endrick, falling 2-1 away to Toulouse, managed by Carles Martínez Novell. The goal from Kamanzi reduced the Madrid star’s contribution to Tolisso to a mere footnote, as Les Gones lost control of their Champions League direct qualification fate.
Clynton Mata and Tyler Morton react in disappointment.
Olympique Lyon was chasing its fifth consecutive Ligue 1 win. However, they couldn’t capitalize on the ‘candy’ served by Endrick and ultimately lost 2-1 in their visit to Toulouse, whose fans honored Carles Martínez Novell with an emotional banner after his departure announcement. The defeat also knocked them out of the direct Champions League spots. They will now fight for it on the final matchday against Lens, who have virtually handed the title to PSG.
Paulo Fonseca fielded the same starting XI that had come from behind against Rennes last week—a team that beat Paris FC (2-1) and remains one point behind Lyon heading into the final round against an OM side that defeated Le Havre (0-1) and sits sixth. This meant Tolisso in the double pivot alongside Tyler Morton, with Endrick sharing the attacking midfield line with Merah and Afonso Moreira behind Roman Yaremchuk.
Once again, Lyon found themselves on the back foot early when Dayann Methalie scored just 10 minutes into the match. Gboho received the ball from Donnum in midfield, spotted the French wing-back’s run, and he arrived in the area to finish across goal past Greif.
Lyon looked apathetic despite being behind. Apart from a few isolated bursts from Endrick on the right wing, they barely troubled Restes throughout the first half. They did, however, appeal for Methalie’s dismissal after he raised his foot excessively in an aerial duel with the Real Madrid loanee.
The second half didn’t change much. In fact, Greif—who had already caused a scare in the first half—had to clear a header from Cresswell from a corner. Fonseca held off making changes until the 67th minute, bringing on Sulc for Merah in the attacking midfield role. But less than five minutes later, Tolisso—who has now scored in four consecutive matches—tucked away a corner that Endrick had cleverly touched on. The Madrid man has now been involved in 16 goals since his arrival in France.
Lyon’s joy was short-lived. They conceded the 2-1 in the 78th minute through Kamanzi, assisted by Santiago Hidalgo. At that exact moment, an own goal from Zakaria gave Lille a win over Monaco, pushing them past Les Gones into third place. Toulouse finished with 10 men after Donnum was sent off for a second yellow card for grabbing Afonso Moreira. But Fonseca’s men couldn’t even salvage a draw, meaning they will not be in control of their own destiny on the final matchday for direct Champions League qualification.