Olympique Lyonnais won a convincing outdoor victory against AJ Auxerre (1-3), consolidating his position in the top 4 race in Ligue 1. After a crucial draw against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals, manager Paulo Fonseca made several changes in team composition, including invigorated players. The first half, though dominated by OL, proved frustrating, with opportunities spoiled by Alexandre Lacazette, despite a significant participation in the previous European match. Duje Caleta-Car and Corentin Tollisso’s goal attempts, which were blocked and cancelled for off-game, added to this frustration, while the goalkeepers of both teams also contributed to a 0-0 score at the break.

The second period saw OL continue to dominate, with Georges Mikautadze proving to be the key to offensive success. He opened the score on an Abner center and provoked a penalty, which he converted himself, thus scoring the first goal. The second realization came thanks to an elegant triangle game between Kumbedi, Tollisso and Cherki, consolidating the advantage. Although the AJ Auxerre narrowed the gap thanks to Lassine Sinayoko, OL kept their cool and finally sealed their victory thanks to an opportunistic goal by Alexandre Lacazette, perfectly served by Mikautadze.

Thanks to this victory, Olympique Lyonnais is now at a single podium unit with 51 points in the standings, bringing him closer to third place in Marseille and second place in Monaco. This performance reinforces the hopes of a direct qualification for the Champions League. The week ahead will be crucial, with a game back in Old Trafford to reach the semifinals of the Europa League, followed by a derby against Saint-Étienne, thus offering highlights for the end of the season.