Brest surprises Lyon but pays a high price

The Stade Francis-Le Blé was the scene this Saturday of a meeting where Brest, against all expectations, dominated Lyon (2-1). A solid performance, marked by a brilliant start to the match and heroic defense, allowed the Finisterians to achieve their first success of the year, to the detriment of Lyon, who confirm their current difficulties. But this success has a bitter taste, Brest having lost two key players to injury.

A dream start for Brest

Eric Roy’s players took the lead from the first minutes, hitting hard and fast. In the 8th minute, Mahdi Camara opened the scoring, taking advantage of a ball pushed back from a heavy strike from Ludovic Ajorque. The Camara-Ajorque duo stood out again a few moments later: a bright backheel from Camara launched Ajorque, who doubled the lead with a precise point. With two goals scored in less than 30 minutes, Brest seemed untouchable against an amorphous Lyonnais.

Manhandled, Pierre Sage’s team tried to react. Alexandre Lacazette, although well served by his teammates, came up against an intractable Marco Bizot, winning his first duel in the 28th minute. At the end of the first period, Lyon reduced the gap thanks to Jordan Veretout, author of a perfect recovery at the edge of the area (45th). Les Gones returned to the locker room with the hope of reversing the situation.

Lyon reacts but lacks efficiency

Brest’s success, although deserved, was not obtained without cost. The Finisterians lost two defenders during the match: Haidara and Amavi, both left-backs, had to leave the field due to injury. These absences could weigh heavily for Brest, particularly in view of the upcoming Champions League matches. A worrying fact despite the performance of the collective, which was able to preserve its lead in the face of the Lyon push.

Lyon intensified its domination in the second half, but the well-organized Brest defense held firm. Marco Bizot, again, brilliantly repelled a header from Lacazette (70th), while Kamory Doumbia found the Lyon post in the 72nd minute. The tension rose a notch in the 56th minute, when a heavy foul on Corentin Tolisso only earned Brest a yellow card. A controversial decision which allowed the locals to remain at 11.

Brest revives, Lyon gets bogged down

This crucial success allows Brest to move up to 10th place, just six points behind fifth-placed Lyon. For Pierre Sage’s men, this second consecutive away defeat, after that against PSG, marks a halt in their quest for the podium. Brest, for its part, can hope for a new start, provided it manages its injuries as best as possible.