Olympique Lyon – Olympique Marseille: A Bad Taste In The Mouth In The Hunt For Europe (1-2)

The Derby des Olympiques was less fiery than in recent iterations, as both teams were aware of the importance of a victory in the race for a European ticket. It was a match defined more by jaw-dropping mistakes than great moments, as a cagey affair was won with less than ten seconds left to play. 
Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.

Olympique Lyonnais have struggled this season in the league and have seen their hopes of winning the Coupe de France go up in flames. The cup was perhaps their best chance at getting into Europe again, but now all that is left is the distant hope of shortening the gap between themselves and Lille in fifth and qualify for the Europa Conference League. 

Laurent Blanc used his favored 4-3-3 formation with Anthony Lopes in goal, while Nicolás Tagliafico, Castello Lukeba, Dejan Lovren, and Sinaly Diomandé made up the backline. In midfield, Maxence Caqueret, Corentin Tolisso, and Thiago Mendes. On the wings, Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola with Alexandre Lacazette at the number nine. 

Olympique Marseille started the weekend in second place and looked to consolidate that position with a victory against Lyon. They have long been out of the title race, but are now trying to keep ahead of the rest of the pack, especially since the difference between finishing third and second is an automatic qualification to the Champions League versus going into the playoffs. 

Similarly, Igor Tudor set his side out in the usual 3-4-2-1 structure. In goal, Pau López, with a back three of Sead Kolašinac, Samuel Gigot, and Leonardo Balerdi. At wing-back Jonathan Claus and . . .