UEL: Lyon take top spot with a slim win

Olympique Lyon got the job done against Young Boys in the UEFA Europa League Match day 7 with a 1-0 victory that secured a top spot for them on the standings and a round of 16 ticket.

This is their 7th straight win in all competitions as the Ligue 1 side maintain top form on the summit of the Europa League table.

Lyon had recorded six straight wins across all tournaments before their trip to Switzerland, while the hosts were struggling to get results, having suffered three defeats in their last three competitive games.

The home side started strongly in the opening stages, but lacked much substance to show for it. They had a chance in the first half when Alvyn Sanches smashed an effort off the crossbar.

Lyon took them, settled into the affairs, and regained control of possession.

The Ligue 1 side had their first chance when Afonso Moreira collected the ball outside the box and drifted forward, only for his shot to be denied by Marvin Keller.

The visitors were then rewarded for their possession and found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time.

Ainsley Maitland-Miles punished the Young Boys’ defence and pounced on the loose ball in the box before rifling into the top corner to give Lyon the lead.

Young Boys in search of an equaliser started well in the second half and but were stifled in the first few minutes.

Their continued pressure almost got them on level terms on the hour mark, but it was chalked off. They thought they had level matters through Sanches’ clinical strike after he broke through the Lyon defence, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review for a narrow offside.

Lyon maintained composure and discipline, knowing the threat that the home side posed. Fonseca’s men then shored up their defence for the remaining half-hour.

Young Boys continue knocking on the door for an equaliser, committing more men forward, leaving their defence vulnerable on the break.

Lyon were unable to take advantage as they say on their one-goal lead, which was ultimately enough for them claim a sixth victory in the competition and secure their passage into the Round of 16 with a game spare.

Young Boys will have to at least secure a point away to Bundesliga side Stuttgart next Thursday to secure a place in the playoffs.