Olympique Lyonnais approached the match against the AJA with a marked rotation strategy, demonstrating a desire to preserve the squad against a dense schedule. The technical staff, aware of the physical requirements of a series of three meetings in seven days, made the decision to relocate the team to the Morbihan in order to optimize recovery and preparation. This approach, initiated by Paulo Fonseca, has borne fruit with a convincing 3-1 victory, consolidating the team’s journey and illustrating the importance of human resources management in the context of a demanding season.

The composition of the team aligned against Auxerre revealed a significant turnover compared to the previous match against Manchester United, with the title of five different players. This approach enabled elements such as Saël Kumbedi, Duje Caleta-Car, Abner, Nemanja Matic and Alexandre Lacazette to save playing time and distinguish themselves at this meeting. Although the lack of offensive opportunities limited the ability to further spin the team, the positive result allowed some comfort in managing the effort, with a view to the quarter-final return to Old Trafford.

When asked about the tardiness of the first changes, Jorge Maciela acknowledged that a third earlier goal would have facilitated the rotation of the staff. However, he stressed the respect for the competition and the importance of preserving the freshness of the team in view of the following deadlines. Fortunately, this trip to the Yonne did not result in any significant injury, and OL could find Malick Fofana for the game back to Manchester, thus providing additional room for manoeuvre in group management.