Clinton Mata urges Lyon to accept Europa League exit and move on | OneFootball

Lyon were knocked out of the Europa League last 16 by Celta Vigo, following a 1-1 draw and a 0-2 defeat, leaving only Ligue 1 as their route to Champions League qualification.

According to Le Progres, players and staff spoke of genuine disappointment after a campaign that had raised expectations, with the exit arriving just two weeks after their Coupe de France setback.

They felt Celta started sharply and an early red card left Lyon down to 10 for most of the match. Effort levels were high but the breakthrough never came, and attention now turns to Sunday against Monaco.

Clinton Mata admitted there were regrets, saying the dismissal made the task harder and that Lyon had the qualities to trouble the opposition but could not impose them. He insisted there would be no excuses, they must accept it and move on.

He noted their 13-match winning run was always likely to end at some point and suggested a touch of luck was missing. He called for fresh energy for the run-in, stressing that eight league finals remain and they will not let up.

The Spanish side described the qualification as deserved and historic, looking ahead to a European quarter-final against Freiburg. With a man advantage they kept patience, praised their bench options and organisation, and felt the players showed their potential.

Source: Le Progres