PLAYER RATINGS | Lyon 2-1 Lille: Orban shines as OL secure quarter-final qualification | OneFootball

Lyon and Lille were both looking to secure safe passage into the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France as they locked horns at the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Gift Orban should have had the first goal of the game and his first for Lyon in the opening 10 minutes as Fofana played him into acres of space but he couldn’t stab his shot beyond Chevalier. Lyon continued to threaten in the early stages of the game as Tolisso almost punished a mistake at the back but Chevalier was on hand to bail his defence out after some poor playing out of the back.

In the 30th minute, Lucas Perri made a brilliant stop at his near post to deny Jonathan David as Les Dogues looked to increase the tempo of the match. This was the visitors’ first big opportunity of the game. Perri was relied upon once again to prevent his compatriot Ismaily from scoring from a closing angle before the left-back fired wide on the rebound.

After a wonderfully quick attacking move, Lyon hit the front in the 40th minute thanks to Gift Orban. Jake O’Brien got the move going before quick passes from Caqueret and Cherki allowed Orban to escape in behind following some great strength to muscle Alexsandro off the ball and lift the ball home over the Lille stopper. This goal was enough to see OL lead at the break.

Lyon instantly doubled their lead at the beginning of the second half. With less than two minutes played in the second period, Cherki managed to wrestle the ball free from a tangle in the Lille box before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Despite Les Gones doubling their advantage straight after the break, it wasn’t long before Lille found a way back into the game. Zhegrova’s free-kick from deep was met by Alexsandro in the Lyon box to direct the ball beyond Perri, who was denied a debut clean sheet as a result.

Chevalier denied Tolisso from re-establishing a two-goal advantage with just over 15 minutes left to play. After storming through on goal, the Lyon midfielder was unable to beat the France U21 international stopper, who made a terrific save to keep his side in the match.

However, the heroics of the Lille keeper weren’t enough as goals from Orban and Cherki secured Lyon’s progression through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Lyon player ratings:

Lucas Perri – 6

Ainslet Maitland-Niles – 6

Duje Ćaleta-Car – 6

Jake O’Brien – 6

Nicolás Tagliafico – 6

Maxence Caqueret – 7

Corentin Tolisso – 6

Orel Mangala – 6

Malick Fofana – 7, Trouble. That’s what the Belgian youngster caused for Lille all night. He was a livewire on the left flank; constantly cutting inside and finding a great ball or having the bravery to fire his shot away. His decision-making can improve, but with such technical ability, Fofana could be an astute piece of business.

Gift Orban – 8, Orban was positionally pristine. The Nigerian frequently found himself in the right position to allow him to escape in behind or find space to cause danger in the penalty area. He was rewarded with his first goal, which was taken excellently, after a brilliant attacking move from Les Gones. He did almost everything right on the night and was unlucky to have only scored once.

Rayan Cherki – 7, With a goal and an assist, Cherki continued his long-standing track record of impressive performances in the Coupe de France. The Lyon attacker was involved in everything and largely influential in an impressive attacking display for the hosts.

Lille player ratings:

Lucas Chevalier – 7, Despite conceding two goals, Chevalier was largely responsible for Lille keeping the scoreline respectable. The France U21 international continuously came up with big saves to deny the hosts and keep his boyhood club in the match.

Tiago Santos – 6

Alexsandro – 6

Leny Yoro – 6

Ismaily – 6

Nabil Bentaleb – 6

Benjamin André – 6

Angel Gomes – 6

Edon Zhegrova – 6

Jonathan David – 5, On another night, David could have been the difference maker. However, it was quite the opposite. The Canadian international had two big chances on the night for Lille but was unable to convert with either.

Adam Ounas – 6

GFFN | Liam Wraith