Lyon continue Amin for Europe after Angers victory

Without a league win since September, the writing may be on the wall for an Angers side propping up the Ligue 1 table, but they began the contest on the front foot, carving out a chance inside the opening minute. Batista Mendy’s accurate delivery found Ibrahima Niane, who was unable to direct his header on target. Lyon were aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Auxerre, but they looked far from their best for the majority of the first half.

Despite failing to move out of first gear, the visitors still managed to take the lead in the 38th minute with their first shot of the game thanks to an unstoppable long-range free kick from Mendes, which curled beyond the reach of an outstretched Paul Bernardoni.

After conceding first for the 19th time in their 25 league games this season, Angers attempted to pull themselves level within six minutes of the restart. The hosts managed to neatly work an opening for Abdallah Sima to let fly, but his disappointing effort flew harmlessly over the crossbar. As the contest drifted into the final 20 minutes, Anthony Lopes was called into action, pulling off a fine stop to prevent Amine Salama from finding the net.

As the clock ticked into the 80th minute, Lyon doubled their advantage through Sarr, who registered his first Lyon goal after arriving in January. A simple throw-in from the right flank allowed Maxence Caqueret to drive into the box, before the midfielder squared the ball for Sarr to tap home. Out of nowhere, Angers pulled a goal back after Sima latched onto Dejan Lovren’s poor backpass before sliding the ball past Lopes.

However, Barcola quickly restored Lyon’s two-goal lead, firing into the bottom corner to move his side within six points of the top five. Angers continue to head towards the second tier, with 10 points separating them from safety.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Thiago Mendes (Olympique Lyonnais)