Lyon's European hopes take a huge blow as Lacazette misses late penalty against Clermont
Lyon entered the lunchtime contest in a buoyant mood after they fought back from 4-1 down to record a remarkable 5-4 win over Montpellier last time out. The momentum gained from the comeback victory enabled Les Gones to make a positive start at the Stade Gabriel-Montpied, with Nicolás Tagliafico and Rayan Cherki firing wide of Mory Diaw’s goal in the opening 20 minutes. After racking up four goals last weekend, there was a sense of inevitability when Lacazette received the ball in the centre of the Clermont box midway through the first half. The former Arsenal striker subsequently dug out a low strike that evaded Diaw, bringing up his 25th league goal of the season.
The lead lasted just a matter of minutes though, as Castello Lukeba clumsily fouled Saîf-Eddine Khaoui in the box, allowing a composed Kyei to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot. With parity restored, the hosts carved out a golden opportunity to move in front before HT, but an unmarked Elbasan Rashani fluffed his lines, sending his header harmlessly wide.
Lyon returned from the interval in the knowledge that only a win would do if they wanted to keep their European ambitions alive. Lacazette continued to lead the visitors’ charge, scooping the ball over the bar after creating space in the Clermont box. However, the hosts were in no mood to settle for a point, and they sent a warning shot 10 minutes into the second period when Khaoui was denied from close range by Anthony Lopes. With confidence flowing through the home side, they duly took the lead after the hour-mark, as Kyei towered above his marker to steer his header into the corner from Mehdi Zeffane’s floated cross.
There was to be one last moment of drama, as for the second week running, Lacazette stepped up to the penalty spot in stoppage time. In contrast to last weekend, the 31-year-old produced a tame effort which was comfortably saved, ensuring Clermont could celebrate a fourth successive home win that moves them up to eighth position. Meanwhile, Lyon’s three-point gap to the top five could widen before the end of the day as their hopes of gracing the continental stage were dented.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Grejohn Kyei (Clermont Foot)