It is almost becoming a habit. For the fourth time in seven seasons, the 2017-18 season will draw to a close with a battle between Olympique Lyonnais and OGC Nice on Saturday. A chance to look at the 3 previous encounters between the two sides.

The final exploit

Lyon 3-4 Nice

Sunday 20 May 2012

Held to a draw by Evian the previous week (1-1), the Aiglons arrived in Lyon with just a one point lead on the relegation zone. Of course, a shock would have been required for the Aiglons to be relegated: the defeat of one of their 5 competitors - Ajaccio, Caen, Brest, Sochaux, Lorient - would secure their safety. But the evening got off to a bad start for René Marsiglia’s side, trailing 2-0 after having hit the bar on 3 occasions. Thankfully, luck finally smiled on them, with goals from Fabian Monzon and Kafoumba Koulibaly, and an own goal from Hugo Lloris. Pegged back by the second goal for Jimmy Briand, the Niçois confirmed their place in the top flight thanks to a spectacular goal from youngster Esmael Gonçalves (3-4).

A final hit

Nice 0-1 Lyon

Saturday 17 May 2014

16th at kick-off, the Aiglons were sure to retain their place in L1, as the team in 17th place (Evian TG) faced 18th (Sochaux) during Week 38. Up against them, the Lyonnais needed to earn a first win at the Allianz Riviera in order to keep 5th place, and to deny Marseille. A mission that the Gones accomplished after taking the lead in the 6th minute of the game, thanks to a header from Baky Koné at the near post (0-1).

Pleasure shared 

Lyon 3-3 Nice

Saturday 20 May 2017

Certain of maintaining their place on the podium in Week 33, the Aiglons travelled without any pressure to Parc OL (renamed Groupama Stadium two months later). This final battle also also proved only symbolic for the other side, given that OL couldn’t be removed from 4th place and were celebrating the final games of Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso. In the wake of the spirited Anastasios Donis, who secured a brace, and thanks to a final penalty for Mika Seri, Lucien Favre’s team picked up a smart final point in their historic season, after having equalised on three occasions. 

F.H.

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