Olympique Lyon stepped into the Champions League semifinals after beating Manchester City 3-1 at the Jose Alvalade stadium on Sunday (16/8). In the semifinals of the Champions League, Lyon faced Bayern Munich.
In the first half, Man City trailed 0-1 through Maxwel Cornet’s goal in the 24th minute. Cornet’s goal was checked by VAR before referee Danny Makkelie approved it.
Man City continued to take over the game from the start of the second half. However, the tempo of the game, especially in the attacking transition, which tends to be slow, did not make it difficult for Lyon’s defense.
Kevin de Bruyne tries to equalize again in the 60th minute with a free kick. It’s just that, like in the first half, De Bruyne’s right footed free kick was pushed over by Lopes.
Unlike previous attempts, De Bruyne’s 66th minute free-kick from closer range flew narrowly over Lyon’s crossbar.
There were hardly many significant changes from Pep Guardiola’s team in the second half. Man City attacks often lack support from the second line.
However, it was lucky for Man City because De Bruyne arrived at the right time and was able to score the equalizer in the 69th minute.
De Bruyne’s goal came from a gastric breakthrough bait to Sterling. Sterling, who is heavily guarded by a Lyon defender, is almost confused because no other player is close to him.
However, Lyon’s defense was also quite wide open at that time. De Bruyne arrived just at the right time and took Sterling’s bait to level the score.
Motivation for Man City was getting more and more lit after the score returned to a draw. In the 73rd minute Gabriel Jesus gets a goal chance. But his kick was pushed over by Lopes.
Gabriel Jesus’ best chance came in the 77th minute. It’s just that Gabriel’s volley, which was not guarded by the opposing player, flew over the bar.
Moussa Dembele who came on in the 75th minute to replace Depay brought Lyon back ahead in the 79th minute.
Dembele broke into Ederson’s goal after receiving Houssem Aouar’s through ball. The goal was checked by VAR because Dembele was deemed to have committed a violation against the Man City player.
Sterling failed to take advantage of Man City’s golden opportunity in the 86th minute. After receiving Gabriel Jesus’ flat pass, Sterling could not put the ball into an empty net.
Conversely, Lyon actually increased the score in the 87th minute through Dembele. Houssem Aouar shot from outside the penalty box failed to anticipate well by Ederson. A wild ball was greeted by Dembele with a cheat.
Man City continues to try to score a goal back. However, Lopes ‘toughness again made The Citizens’ efforts fail. Lyon won 3-1 and stepped into the semifinals of the Champions League. In the semifinals Lyon will play against Bayern Munich.
