Lyon hosted and defeated Nice 1-0 in the 22nd round of Ligue 1, moving closer to the top of the standings and achieving their 13th consecutive victory across all competitions. Afonso Moreira, injured, and Endrick, suspended, were significant absences for Paulo Fonseca, while Tiago Gouveia was unavailable for the Côte D'Azur team. The match began with a rather comical injury. Elye Wahi kicked off directly out of bounds, allowing Nice to start the game by pressuring Lyon's first phase of build-up play. This planned play cost Nice dearly as Wahi injured himself while trying to press Lyon's ball exit just ten seconds into the game. The French forward returned to the field but was substituted by Boudache in the 6th minute. The 19-year-old was the face of Nice's bold attack, but Dominik Grief kept the score level throughout the second half. Lyon responded effectively just before halftime. Tanner Tessman crossed, Pavel Sulc cushioned the ball, and captain Corentin Tolisso opened the scoring in the 45+1 minute. Lyon sealed their seventh consecutive Ligue 1 victory in the 65th minute, again thanks to Sulc's daring play. The Czech international surged down the right flank before assisting Noah Nartey with the help of Vanhoutte. The young 19-year-old Danish player scored to set the final score. The match was also marked by the debut of Roman Yaremchuk, former Benfica player, under Paulo Fonseca's management. Lyon solidified their third place with 45 points, seven behind leaders Lens and six behind second-placed PSG. Meanwhile, Nice recorded their third consecutive match without a win, finishing the 22nd round in 14th place.
Paulo Fonseca Afonso Moreira remains central to this story.
Paulo Fonseca Afonso Moreira remains central to this story.
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