Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 Saint-Etienne: Lacazette on target as Lyon defeat St Etienne in Rhone-Alpes derby
Lyon triumphed in the 124th edition of the Derby Rhone-Alpes, securing a 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne in front of their home crowd. This result also extended Les Verts' winless streak in away Ligue 1 matches to 13 games.
Despite their struggles on the road, Saint-Etienne began the match with vigor, as Benjamin Bouchouari tested Lyon's goalkeeper Lucas Perri early with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Shortly thereafter, Lucas Stassin narrowly missed scoring with a header that went just wide after meeting a well-placed cross from Zuriko Davitashvilli.
As the first half progressed, Lyon found their rhythm. After hitting the post from a tight angle, captain Alexandre Lacazette scored the opening goal just before the half-hour mark, converting a bicycle kick from Corentin Tolisso that followed a corner. This goal elevated Lacazette to joint-second place on the club's all-time scoring list.
Entering the second half trailing, Saint-Etienne displayed renewed determination. Yvann Macon had a goal-bound attempt blocked, and Davitashvilli's powerful shot was also thwarted as the hour mark approached.
In the closing stages, both teams sought to add to the scoreline. Malick Fofana was denied by Gautier Larsonneur from close range, while substitute Ibrahim Sissoko had his effort saved by Perri's outstretched leg at the other end.
Lyon appeared to have secured the match when substitute Ernest Nuamah capitalized on a mistake by Larsonneur to score, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Georges Mikautadze, who had come on for the goalscorer Lacazette.
Nevertheless, Lyon managed to maintain their lead, achieving a victory that ended a four-match winless streak across all competitions and kept them unbeaten in their last six league games.
In contrast, Saint-Etienne remains the only team in the league without an away victory, and this latest loss places them in the precarious relegation play-off position.
SportsLigue