Lyon, sounded in Old Trafford, prepares to wash his shame against Saint-Étienne

Olympique Lyonnais returned at 4am on Friday after a nightmare awake in Manchester United, eliminated 5-4 after extensions against the Red Devils. The defeat, which left a heavy silence in the changing rooms, leaves deep traces, both physical and mental. Les Lyonnais arrive in Geoffroy-Guichard, but determined to wash their shame against Saint-Étienne in a burning derby.

The elimination, marked by a succession of rebounds and a triple goal cashed in seven minutes, caused an emotional shock. Moussa Niakhaté, guilty on the last goal, expressed his distress: “It’s hard, it’s complicated. We missed something big, we gave everything, we didn’t give up anything, we were failing, we didn’t give up.” Malick Fofana sums up the general state of mind: “We can never forget this game.”

Paulo Fonseca, while maintaining a courtesy attitude in public, deplored the celebration of the 4-2, highlighting a lack of emotional balance and experience. Within the club, criticisms, although avoiding controversy, were made of certain tactical choices. It was Rayan Cherki who took the lead, sending a message hitting through WhatsApp, urging his teammates to “do a game of men” and prepare for a last derby for some.

The atmosphere in Lyon is palpable, players aware of the pressure and importance of this game. The Greens of Eirik Horneland, who arrived to inject new forces into the team, are aware of the opportunity this derby offers. Despite an encouraging draw against Brest (3-3), the team displayed defensive frailties.

Saint-Étienne, for their part, is mobilized for this crucial confrontation. A victory would be more than just a sporting feat; It would represent an electroshock, a proof of life and a call for unity for the green people. The Geoffroy-Guichard Chaudron is expected, ready to rock the meeting.

Circumstances add to the pressure: Lucas Perri, the guardian, returned to Brazil to attend the birth of his child, while Rémy Descamps will ensure the presence in the cages. Despite the tiredness and injuries, OL preferred a decreasing and a simple video viewing session after the long trip. A Lyon leader said, “We will have no choice but to be in it.”

The stakes are clear: Lyon must respond to this humiliation. Saint-Étienne has the opportunity to relaunch his season with a victory that could transform everything. This derby isn’t to win, he wins.