AS Monaco 0-3 Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon began the new Ligue 1 season in the best possible way, with a thumping 3-0 away win at erstwhile heavyweights Monaco. This clash was an early test of how these two giants have recovered from disappointing campaigns last time around and Lyon demonstrated that new manager Sylvinho has got them back on the right track, whereas Monaco are still in the sort of disarray that saw them narrowly avoid relegation.

Lyon’s shaky pre-season form was quickly forgotten as they raced into the lead within a few minutes of the kick-off when Moussa Dembélé beat Benjamin Lecomte in the Monaco goal. Memphis Depay doubled the lead half an hour later, with an assist from new signing Thiago Mendes. By then, Lyon’s task had been made significantly easier by the dismissal of Monaco’s Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The ten men were unable to muster a fight-back in the second period and Lucas Toussart put the result beyond doubt with ten minutes to go, again set up by Thiago Mendes. A potentially tricky encounter was negotiated with ease by Lyon and they go straight to the top of the Ligue 1 table. In truth, it was probably a good time to face Monaco, as they have several first teamers injured or suspended, whereas Lyon were practically at full strength for this tie. There will be tougher tests to come in the near future, but it’s a very satisfying result nonetheless.

Four summer signings made their competitive debuts for OL during the match, with Dane Joachim Andersen slotting into central defence alongside Jason Denayer, and Youssouf Koné starting at left-back. His fellow signing from Lille, Thiago Mendes was in midfield and Jean Lucas joined him there for the last few minutes.

Starting XI:
Lopes – Koné, Denayer, Andersen, Dubois – Aouar, Tousart, Thiago Mendes – Depay, Dembélé, Traoré

Subs: Jean Lucas (Aouar 77′), Cornet (Traoré 83′), Tete (Koné 86′)