PLAYER RATINGS | Lyon 1-1 Ludogorets: OL’s winless run continues as Paulo Fonseca watches on | OneFootball

UEFA Europa League, Matchday 8, 30/01/2025

Lyon aimed to secure their place in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League as they welcomed Ludogorets, who couldn’t qualify for the latter rounds, to the Groupama Stadium. With new head coach Paulo Fonseca watching from the stands, OL were unable to end their 5-match winless run, as they drew 1-1.

Corentin Tolisso gave the hosts the lead in the first half with a finish from close range. The vice captain’s goal was then cancelled out as Dinis Almeida equalised for the visitors.

The Match

Les Gones started the match in a quick fashion. Rayan Cherki sprung into action quickly as he almost managed to wriggle his way through the Bulgarian side’s defence before the ball was stolen off his toe as he went to hit his shot. However, the visitors went the closest to taking the lead early on as Rwan Cruz’s improvised flick was deflected wide.

Despite Lyon’s quick start, the hosts quickly piled the pressure on the Rhône club. Pinball in the six-yard box became a regular theme in the opening ten minutes as OL scrambled to prevent going a goal behind early on. As Les Gones recovered from any scares caused by the visitors’ pressure, Cherki almost gave them the lead with delightful footwork but his effort was over the bar.

Tolisso went agonisingly close to giving his side the lead with a header from an excellent Cherki cross, only for the Ludogorets stopper to produce an outstanding save. Nuamah went close to scoring in successive games but Padt was equal to it.

Less than ten minutes after the break, Lyon were in front. Ludogorets gave the ball away cheaply in their penalty area, allowing Mikautadze to draw Padt out from his line and cut the ball back to Tolisso for a simple finish. The Bulgarian champions almost responded immediately through Vidal but Perri was able to deny his compatriot from close range.

Mikautadze almost had a goal to go with his assist, but he couldn’t direct his header from Cherki’s corner beyond the Ludogorets stopper. Yet, it would be Ludogorets who scored next. Almeida did brilliantly to start an attack and continue his run from his own half. With his run not tracked, the defender was able to drift into the near post and turn home a cross unmarked.

Perri had to be alert in stoppage time to prevent a goal. Camara almost scored with a terrific diving header, forcing the Brazilian header to display lightning reflexes. This would be the last chance of the match as Lyon’s winless run extended to six matches. However, their earlier results secured their place in the Round of 16.

Lyon player ratings:

Lucas Perri – 6

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5

Duje Ćaleta-Car – 6

Moussa Niakhaté – 5

Abner Vinicius – 4

Tanner Tessmann – 5

Jordan Veretout – 4

Corentin Tolisso – 6

Deputising as captain for Alexandre Lacazette, who was on the bench, Tolisso found the breakthrough for Les Gones against a resolute Ludogorets defence. In the middle of the park, he dictated play from deep and proved to be a vital influence in the opposition penalty area.

Ernest Nuamah – 5

Georges Mikautadze – 6

Rayan Cherki – 6

Once again, the OL academy graduate was the most influential player for his side in attack. Constantly dropping deeper and into more central areas, the 21-year-old assumed the role of linking the play between midfield and attack. His dazzling footwork created some promising openings, and he was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.

GFFN | Liam Wraith