Olympique Lyonnais – RC Strasbourg: The Battle For Europe Heats Up (2-1)

The seventh-placed team hosted the sixth in a crucial clash for the race for European qualification. Both sides showcased their most characteristic strengths.

Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz.

In a match that undoubtedly proved decisive for the standings in the race for European competitions, Olympique Lyonnais faced visiting RC Strasbourg, who aimed to maintain their one-point advantage over Paulo Fonseca’s team. Meanwhile, the home side sought to climb up the table and overtake the visitors.

For this decisive fixture, the Portuguese manager —still unable to be on the bench until November due to a suspension following a confrontation with a referee back in March— lined up his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, which could shift into a 4-3-3 without the ball.
Moussa Niakhaté and Clinton Mata once again formed the center-back pairing of one of Ligue 1’s stingiest defenses, flanked by World Cup champion Nicolás Tagliafico and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. In midfield, Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton operated behind another World Cup winner, Corentin Tolisso. Up front, Malick Fofana and Adam Karabec supported Pavel Sulc as the central striker.

On the other side, Liam Rosenior —who had built one of the most entertaining teams in the league through youthful talent— opted for a 3-4-3 setup. Lucas Hogsberg, Mamadou Sarr, and Ismael Doukouré (who was eventually sent off) formed the back three; Samir El Mourabet and the converted midfielder Valentín Barco played as a double pivot, with Diego Moreira and Guéla Doué operating as wing-backs. Abdoul Ouattara and Julio Enciso played as attacking midfielders behind one of the league’s surprises, Joaqu . . .