Lyon 2-2 RB Leipzig
Lyon entered their final Champions League group match against RB Leipzig knowing they still had a decent chance to move on to the round of 16. They only needed to pick up a better result than Zenit St. Petersburg, who were away at Benfica.
Their Champions League 2019 odds of going through were looking bleak after going down two goals at home in the first half. But a spirited second-half comeback, capped off by a late Memphis Depay strike, coupled with a Zenit defeat saw them through to the knockout phase.
As predicted in SBOBET’s preview of this match, there were bound to be goals in this match given some absentees in defence for both teams. And despite Lyon winning the reverse fixture in Germany, Leipzig were in great form heading into the match and would be tough to beat.
But in the end, all Lyon needed was a point to secure passage to the next round, and they have their star man to thank.
Highlights of the game
It took Leipzig just nine minutes to take the lead over Lyon. Leipzig captain Diego Demme delivered a dangerous through ball for Yussuf Poulsen, who was brought down in the penalty area by on-rushing Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially signalled for a throw-in, but after a VAR review, Leipzig were rightly awarded a penalty. Emil Forsberg stepped up to take the spot-kick, and the Swede coolly slotted the ball into the corner to put the visitors in front.
On 27 minutes, Leipzig star Timo Werner found himself one-on-one with Lopes, but the in-form striker failed to take his chance. However, the goal wouldn’t have counted anyway as he was just offside.
But the German would get himself on the scoresheet just a few minutes later as Leipzig were awarded another penalty for Lucas Tousart’s crunching challenge on Christopher Nkunku. Werner made no mistake from the spot as he doubled Leipzig’s advantage.
Lyon were looking dead and buried down two goals at home at the half, but they handed themselves a lifeline five minutes after the break.
Houssem Aouar showed why he’s one of the most highly rated young talents in all of Europe with a brilliant curling effort which is undoubtedly one of the top Champions League 2019 highlights of the round.
Leipzig almost restored their two-goal advantage on 65 minutes after an impressive move saw Demme get a shot on goal from close range. However, the Leipzig captain was denied by a crucial block from Lyon defender Rafael.
At the other end, Memphis had a couple of attempts from distance that did not trouble Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi. But Depay wouldn’t be denied as he eventually got Lyon’s equaliser.
The Dutch striker displayed some impressive strength to outmuscle a Leipzig defender to get to the ball inside the six-yard box. And he showed great instinct to find the target on the turn.
That goal would prove crucial as it would see Les Gones through to the knockout phase for the second season running.
Key statistics
The final statistics for this match were quite even. Leipzig edged out possession, 53 per cent to 47, although the total shots were even at 13. Lyon had two more shots on target, 6-4.
Memphis was responsible for four of those six shots on target as the Dutchman had five shots overall. He finished the Champions League group stage with a very impressive tally of five goals in five games.
Meanwhile, his Leipzig counterpart Werner had a relatively quiet game. The German didn’t get a shot off apart from his penalty. But he still got his goal, giving him 18 for the season and four in his last three games.
What’s next?
With progress in the Champions League secured, Lyon can now focus on improving their league positioning for the time being. Their next assignment will see them face a high-flying Rennes side that’s currently fourth after winning three on the bounce and five of their last six.
As for Leipzig, they will look to continue their outstanding league form, where they’ve won five matches in a row. Their next match will see them go away to struggling Fortuna Dusseldorf, who currently find themselves third from bottom in the Bundesliga.
And after that, Leipzig go to Signal Iduna Park for their big showdown against third-placed Borussia Dortmund, which should be a terrific match.
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