Canaries Silenced in a Lackluster Loss: Lyon 2-0 Nantes
The Parc Olympique Lyonnais was buzzing as Lyon secured a 2-0 victory against Nantes in Round 7 of France’s Ligue 1 on October 6, 2024.
This match saw Lyon dominate possession and seize opportunities, while Nantes struggled to break through. Despite valiant efforts from both sides, the Canaries couldn’t match the strength of Lyon, resulting in another frustrating outing for the visitors.
First Half: Lyon Strikes Early
Right from the start, Lyon set the tempo of the game, with Nantes trying to keep up. However, it didn’t take long for the home team to open the scoring. In the 22nd minute, Nicolas Tagliafico found the net with a perfectly timed header, courtesy of a pinpoint cross from Said Benrahma.
This goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, putting Lyon in the driver’s seat early on.
Nantes, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. The Canaries had their best chance in the 14th minute when Moses Simon broke into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot. Unfortunately for Nantes, Lyon’s goalkeeper was alert and pulled off a fine save to deny the visitors.
Positives for Lyon:
Offensive Fluidity: Lyon displayed excellent attacking football, with their forward players creating numerous chances. Benrahma’s assist for Tagliafico’s goal highlighted the understanding between the players, showing Lyon’s cohesion in the final third.
Dominance in Possession: With **60% ball possession**, Lyon controlled the game from the midfield, orchestrating play and keeping Nantes under pressure.
Negatives for Lyon:
Missed Chances: Despite their control, Lyon could have added more goals. Ernest Nuamah came close to doubling the lead just before halftime, but his shot went narrowly wide of the post. Lyon’s inability to finish certain opportunities could have cost them if Nantes had been more clinical.
Positives for Nantes:
Resilience in Defense: While they conceded early, Nantes’ defense held strong under pressure, preventing Lyon from running away with the match during the first half.
Bright Sparks from Moses Simon: The Nigerian winger was one of the few bright sparks for Nantes, testing Lyon’s defense with his pace and dribbling.
Negatives for Nantes:
Lack of Possession: With only 40% possession, Nantes struggled to maintain control of the ball and build up sustained pressure.
Inability to Finish: Nantes had 10 goal attempts but could only manage 5 shots on target, showing their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
As the first half came to a close, Lyon went into the dressing room with a deserved 1-0 lead, but Nantes knew they still had a chance to turn things around.
Second Half: Pallois’ Own Goal Seals Nantes’ Fate
Nantes started the second half with renewed energy, but Lyon’s defense remained solid. Just 9 minutes into the second half, disaster struck for Nantes. Nicolas Pallois attempted to clear a cross from Lyon’s left wing, but he inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, giving Lyon a 2-0 advantage.
This unfortunate own goal seemed to deflate Nantes, as they struggled to regain momentum after this incident.
Lyon, now two goals ahead, continued to press for more, with Ernest Nuamah nearly making it 3-0 after his shot struck the post in the 71st minute.
The home side was comfortably in control, while Nantes’ frustrations began to show. **Nicolas Cozza** received a yellow card in the 61st minute for a blatant foul, and the visitors’ physicality began to increase as the game wore on.
Positives for Lyon:
Solid Defense: Lyon’s defense held firm throughout the match, withstanding any attacks Nantes tried to muster. They limited the visitors to just 0.76 Expected Goals (xG), an indication of how well they neutralized Nantes’ attacking threats.
Ernest Nuamah’s Impact: While he didn’t score, Nuamah was a constant thorn in Nantes’ defense. His creativity and dribbling added a new dimension to Lyon’s attack, and he was unlucky not to find the net.
Tactical Substitutions: Lyon manager Pierre Sage made smart substitutions at the right times, refreshing his side and ensuring they maintained control of the game.
Negatives for Lyon:
No Killer Instinct: Once again, Lyon could have scored more. While they won comfortably, their failure to convert more chances left the door open for a potential comeback, something stronger teams might exploit in future matches.
Positives for Nantes:
Substitutions Brought Energy: Antoine Kombouare, the Nantes coach, made a series of substitutions that injected some life into his team. The introduction of players like Mostafa Mohamed and Florent Mollet added more energy and aggression, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
Negatives for Nantes:
Pallois’ Own Goal: The own goal was a crucial blow to Nantes’ morale. Pallois, one of the team’s experienced players, will surely be disappointed with this costly mistake.
Lack of Composure in Attack: Nantes failed to create clear-cut chances, and their attacking play lacked the precision required to break down Lyon’s defense. Despite having 9 corner kicks, they couldn’t convert any set pieces into real scoring opportunities.
Discipline Issues: Nantes’ rising frustration was evident in their increasing number of fouls. Both **Cozza** and **Douglas Augusto** were booked, as the visitors seemed to lose focus as the match progressed.
The Game in Numbers
– Expected Goals (xG): Lyon 1.93 – Nantes 0.76
– Ball Possession: Lyon 60% – Nantes 40%
– Goal Attempts: Lyon 14 – Nantes 10
– Shots on Goal: Lyon 6 – Nantes 5
– Shots Off Goal: Lyon 5 – Nantes 4
– Corner Kicks: Lyon 6 – Nantes 9
– Fouls: Lyon 9 – Nantes 5
– Yellow Cards: Lyon 1 – Nantes 2
These numbers tell the story of Lyon’s dominance, but also show that Nantes had opportunities they simply couldn’t capitalize on.
Conclusion: Lyon Building Momentum, Nantes Left to Regroup
This win marks a significant boost for Lyon, as they continue to build momentum in the league. Having now secured back-to-back wins, the team looks set to challenge for a higher spot in the standings. The performances of players like Nicolas Tagliafico and Said Benrahma highlight the quality Lyon has in its ranks, while the contribution of Ernest Nuamah shows the depth they possess.
For Nantes, this defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow. The Canaries have shown glimpses of potential this season, but this match revealed some glaring weaknesses that need addressing. Their lack of control in midfield and inability to finish chances will be key areas for improvement if they are to climb up the standings.
As Ligue 1 Round 7 concludes, Lyon can take pride in their performance, while Nantes must regroup and find a way to turn their season around.
Next Matches
Lyon will be looking to maintain their form in their next Ligue 1 fixture, while Nantes will hope to bounce back and get their season back on track. The season is still young, and there’s plenty of football left to be played.
