Lyon probably said goodbye to Europe with not quite dead Messins

Moussa Dembélé’s double was not enough. By striking in the 43rd and 85th minutes, the center forward and captain of Lyon had allowed his team to return to equality, this Sunday in Metz. But in stoppage time, the Lorrain Farid Boulaya imitated Vincent Pajot (27th) and Didier Lamkel Zé (39th) and gave a semblance of hope of maintaining the relegated Messin.

OL, reduced to ten after the expulsion of Thiago Mendes (69th) most likely said goodbye to Europe a week after their triumph in Marseille (3-0). Fifth place for Strasbourg, synonymous with play-offs for the Europa League Conference, is five points away, an almost crippling gap with two games to go.

A second season without the European Cup

Lyon, which was aiming for the Champions League, is therefore preparing to play in 2022-2023 a second season without the European Cup in three years. At least the Rhodanians will play in L1 (the least of things given their standing and their budget).

Because for Metz to stay in the elite, it would take a miracle. This first success since January 16 brings the Mosellens closer to three points behind the barrage Saint-Etienne, but the Greens have one game less, to be played in Nice on Wednesday.