Lyon, France — Olympique Lyonnais (OL) go face Lille OSC for crucial match wey fit decide their Champions League destiny dis Saturday evening at the Groupama Stadium. After dem lose to Strasbourg, OL sit for 17th position and dem need to win to revive their European dreams.
Dis match go start by 21:05. With just two points separating the two teams, victory for Lyon go help dem overtake Lille in the table, plus boost their chances of reaching European competition.
Coach Paulo Fonseca don make significant changes to the starting lineup, shifting to a 4-3-3 formation wey dey focused on attack. Young American Tanner Tessmann go partner with Corentin Tolisso in midfield while Nemanja Matic go start from the bench. Rayan Cherki go take up the playmaker role to spark offensive moves for Lyon.
Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze go lead the attack ahead of veteran Alexandre Lacazette, as Thiago Almada and Ernest Nuamah flank am on the wings. For defense, only minor tweaks dey involved as Tagliafico don return to left back position after rest and Maitland-Niles take right back over Kumbedi.
Mikautadze, wey don dey impress lately, don step in for Lacazette as Fonseca emphasize say e dey crucial to balance experience and youth in this critical phase of the season. “We sabi sey Alex dey important for the team, but Georges dey in fine form,” Fonseca talk for press conference.
For Lyon, dis match dey crucial because dem need to secure points to stay competitive for Europe. “Dis match no be decisive, but e dey important. We wan win am,” Fonseca conclude.
Naira wey dey face Lille don derive confidence from their last victory over Lens, but dem sabi say OL go come strong at home wey dem no fit lose in twelve past matches, except to PSG. But history dey against Lyon, as dem get just 27% win rate against Lille in the 21st century.
As Fonseca dey prepare his squad with the knowledge say a bad result fit dim their European ambition, e don urge his players to stay focused, saying, “Dis match dey as important as the one against Manchester.” OL supporters dey expect a high-energy performance as their team aim to turn the tide against a resurgent Lille side.
Match details: Lyon vs Lille, 28th Matchday of Ligue 1, Saturday 5 April 2025, 21:05, Groupama Stadium, broadcast on DAZN, Amazon Prime or myCanal.
Starting XI for Lyon: Perri; Tagliafico, Niakhaté (C), Mata, Maitland-Niles; Tolisso, Tessmann, Cherki; Almada, Nuamah, Mikautadze.
Starting XI for Lille: Chevalier; Ismaily, Alexsandro, Diakitè, Meunier; André (C), André Gomes, Cabella; Haraldsson, David, Fernandez-Pardo.
