Olympique Lyonnais produced a dazzling display
and scored a flurry of second-half goals to secure a 4-1 win over Viktoria
Plzen in the Europa League first leg last 16 clash on Thursday.
The Czech champions enjoyed a great start
and took the lead after three minutes when Jan Kovarik's left-wing cross was
perfect for Horava to nod past Anthony
Lopes.Remi Garde's Lyon, though, responded well and were back on level terms
after 12 minutes when Malbranque's corner was directed in off the knee of Fofana.Tecl weaved through the
home defence and fired a low effort that was easily dealt with by Anthony Lopes
as Plzen went in search of a second.Lacazette flashed a volley wide of Bolek's
near post as the game flowed from end to end before Fofana saw his speculative
effort saved after 25 minutes.Bolek had to be alert again when Mvuemba's
swerving free kick bounced in front of him but he clawed it away. Despite being
on the back foot, Plzen ought to have regained the lead when Tecl robbed Milan
Bisevac, but failed to hit the target. And the visitors went closer a minute
before half-time through David Limbersky's rasping effort that Anthony Lopes
did well to tip behind.Plzen were punished for missed chances early in the
second half when Malbranque stole the ball in midfield and, after exchanging
passes, slipped the ball to Lacazette,
who drove home convincingly. That goal gave Lyon the opportunity to defend deep
and hit on the break, which they did to devastating effect on the hour mark.Malbranque
was again influential, lifting an inch-perfect ball to the onrushing Mvuemba and controlled superbly
with his chest before lashing home emphatically. And Lyon made it four after 69
minutes when Fofana ran on
to Lacazette's ball to slam home via a deflection on the edge of the area.
The result means
Lyon have taken a huge step in their hopes to reach the quarter finals of the
Europa League, it would take a miracle if Plzen are going to make it through
the last 16.
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