Rennes strike early — Lyon forced to chase
Groupama Stadium hosted a mid-table clash and got a genuine spectacle. In the 6th minute Embolo or Lepaul put Rennes ahead, forcing Lyon to chase the game from the outset. The visitors controlled much of the early play — three yellow cards for Rennes in the first half suggested it was not without cost, however.
Lyon responded with patience and quality — 15 shots with 10 on target is a remarkable accuracy rate. Greif in the Lyon goal had little to do in this phase, while Endrick, Yaremchuk and Fofana grew increasingly dangerous against the Rennes backline.
Three goals in 15 minutes — Lyon flip the script
In the 37th minute Lyon equalised, and five minutes later, just before the break, they took the lead at 2-1. Groupama Stadium erupted. But Rennes were not finished — in the 48th minute, right after the restart, Embolo or Szymanski levelled at 2-2. Six goals in 42 minutes — the match had been turned on its head.
Lyon responded immediately. In the 52nd minute they retook the lead — 3-2 — and this time held on. In the 75th minute Fofana or Endrick sealed it at 4-2. Lyon did not pick up a single yellow card — Les Gones played with composure and class in every key moment.
Match stats
Lyon: 15 shots (10 on target), 50% possession, 0 yellow cards. Rennes: 8 shots (5 on target), 50% possession, 3 yellow cards. Samba: 5 saves. Greif: 3 saves.