Sunday at the Groupama Stadium, Rayan Cherki’s goal propelled Lyon to a 2-1 victory over Lens in Ligue 1. Cherki fires Lyon to Ligue 1 victory against stuttering Lens. The visitors’ slumping form caused them to fall out of the top three. Lens, who have outperformed expectations since their return to France’s top flight in 2020, squandered the opportunity to draw level on points with second-placed Marseille and have collected just two points in their previous four league matches.
Cherki fires Lyon to Ligue 1 victory against stuttering Lens
The result placed Monaco, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, in third, Lens in fourth, and Lyon in ninth place, six points out of the European berths. Before kickoff, enraged Lyon supporters demonstrated against the club hierarchy outside the stadium, blaming them for the collapse of one of French football’s traditional giants. Former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette gave the hosts the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute after collecting a feed from Cherki and firing a shot into the bottom corner. The France striker’s 14th league goal of the season did not deter Lens, who equalised in the 39th minute with a rocket from Deiver Machado into the top corner. Cherki, a 19-year-old midfielder, scored the game-winning goal in the 64th minute with a perfect finish in the penalty area after Maxence Caqueret’s solid play.
