Lacazette stars as Lyon put four past sloppy Rangers

Lyon’s front three proved too much to handle as the French side made it two wins from two in the Europa League with a 4-1 victory over Rangers, consigning the home side to a rare European defeat at Ibrox.

Rangers did start the better side in what was a frantic opening 20 minutes and should have taken the lead after Vaclav Cerny blazed an early golden opportunity from six yards out over the bar. Just moments later, The Gers were quickly punished as Lyon took the lead with their first chance of the game through an accurate Malick Fofana finish.

Rangers responded well as less than five minutes later Tom Lawrence capitalised on a sloppy defensive header from Corentin Tolisso to bundle the ball home for an equaliser. Yet, it would then be Lyon’s turn to punish Rangers as Fofana latched onto a wayward Connor Barron pass, before teeing up his captain, Alexandre Lacazette, for a simple finish and a 2-1 lead all inside twenty minutes.

The former Arsenal man would add a third for the away side on the stroke of half-time with a stunning strike into the top corner that gave Jack Butland no chance.

Lyon added a fourth early in the second half as their front three again showed their class, with Rayan Cherki setting Fofana up for his second of the game. The fourth goal effectively killed the match as a contest, leaving Rangers licking their wounds and with three points after two games in the Europa League, while Lyon move up to second place.

Talking Point – Lyon a dark horse in the Europa League?

Lyon may not have set Ligue 1 alive yet this season but a performance like this will no doubt give them some much needed belief. The front three of Cherki, Lacazette and Fofana were electric all night and were ultimately the difference between the two sides with each having at least two respective goal contributions.

With Besiktas, Hoffenheim and Qarabag to come for the French side, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they take maximum points from their first five games. If Lyon were to achieve this, or come close, they would no doubt be a feared opponent for anyone in this competition.

Player of the Match – Rayan Cherki (Lyon)

This award could have been given to any of Lyon’s front three really as Fofana, Lacazette and Cherki were all spectacular. Cherki, however, was a joy to watch all game as he struck terror into the hearts of the Rangers defence with his clever tricks, neat footwork and lightning dribbling.

The young Frenchman set up Fofana for the first goal after Lyon made a slow start to the game, and was there again to give Fofana a tap-in for the fourth and the icing on the cake for the away side.

Player Ratings

Rangers: Butland 7, Tavernier 5, Propper 5, Soutter 4, Jefte 4, Diomande 5, Barron 3, Cerny 4, Lawrence 6, Bajrami 7, Dressers 5. Subs: Dowell 6, Kasanwirjo 5, Raskin 5, Sterling 5, McCausland 5

Lyon: Peri 7, Maitland-Niles 7, Mata 6, Caleta-Car 6, Tagliafico 6, Tolisso 5, Matic 5, Veretout 6, Fofana 9, Lacazette 8, Cherki 9. Subs: Caqueret 7, Niakhate 6, Diawara 6, Benrahma 5, Nuamah 6

Match Highlights

11’ – GOAL! – RANGERS 0-1 LYON (FOFANA) – Just as Rangers should have taken the lead its Lyon who go up the other end and open the scoring. Maintland-Niles tip toes his way into the box, before Cherki lays the ball off for Fofana who applies an accurate finish into the bottom corner

14’ – GOAL! – RANGERS 1-1 LYON (LAWRENCE) – What a response from Rangers! It’s not the prettiest goal but they all count as Dessers pounces on a shocking defensive header from Tolisso. Perri manages to block the first attempt but Tom Lawrence bundles the ball home.

19’ – GOAL! – RANGERS 1-2 LYON (LACAZETTE) – Lyon take the lead again but it’s a howler from a Rangers perspective as Barron plays poor ball into midfield which Fofana latches onto. The winger drives into the box before squaring to Lacazette who has the easiest of finishes.

46’ – GOAL! – RANGERS 1-3 LYON (LACAZETTE) – What a goal from Lacazette who makes it three for Lyon on the stroke of half time. The Lyon captain cuts inside and unleashes a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the box.

55’ – GOAL! – RANGERS 1-4 LYON (FOFANA) – It’s four for Lyon as the front three combine again! Cherki brings out the dancing feet again as he twists the Rangers defenders inside out before firing a low ball into across the box which is tapped home by Fofana.

Key Reaction

Stream the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+