UEFA Champions League
Fekir Helps Lyon Into Champions League Last 16
A fantastic strike by Nabil Fekir helped Lyon book the last place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Ukrainian champions took the lead against the run of play through a fine finish from Junior Moraes.
However, Lyon were by far the more threatening side throughout and deservedly got on level terms with 25 minutes to go.
French striker Nabil Fekir brilliantly curled the ball past Andriy Pyatov from just outside the box.
The French side survived a few scares late on but held on to book their place in the knockout stages.
Shakhtar Strike Against Run Of Play
Lyon started the game confidently and came close to opening the scoring after just 10 minutes.
Great play by Nabil Fekir who made a yard of space, just outside the box. The Frenchman then curled a brilliant curling shot, which went just wide of goal.
The French side looked more threatening early on and should have taken the lead nine minutes later.
A great through ball by Houssem Aouar, played Lyon striker Bertrand Traore in on goal.
Traore only had the keeper to beat but his shot was straight at Andriy Pyatov in the Shakhtar goal.
Just three minutes later, against the run of play, the Ukrainian champions took the lead.
Patient build up play saw Marlos play the ball out wide to Ismaily. He found Junior Moraes inside the box, who coolly slotted the ball past Anthony Lopes in the Lyon goal.
Lyon struggled to find a response but came close to leveling on 38 minutes.
A great driving run by Memphis Depay saw the Shakhtar defense back track. The Dutchman then curled a shot just wide of goal from outside the penalty area.
Before halftime Lyon spurned another good chance to equalize. Fekir showed great strength out wide and played a ball inside the penalty box.
It found Ferland Mendy who’s curling shot went agonizingly wide.
Fekir To Lyon’s Rescue
Lyon finally got the goal they deserved on 64 minutes.
Great play by Memphis Depay, who showed great vision to pick out Nabil Fekir in the middle of the penalty area. The Frenchman then brilliantly curled the ball into the top corner of the net.
Shakhtar pressed for the winner which would see them go through to the knockout stages.
With just eight minutes to go they missed a great chance to take the lead. A brilliant long ball over the top from Maycon set Ismaily through on goal.
However, the Brazilian was denied by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
Overall the French side deservedly went through and probably should have taken all three points.
Lyon Could Be A Tricky Customer
Nobody will want to face Lyon in the Knockout stages of the Champions League. The French side have shown in the two games against Manchester City that they are a match for the best sides in Europe.
They dominated the match against Shakhtar but were lacking that clinical cutting edge, which has been their biggest problem in Europe this season.
In the six group games, they have won only one and drawn the other five.
Not just tonight but in their last game against Manchester City, they missed a number of chances to put the game outwith City’s reach.
They will need to show a more clinical edge, if they are to progress further in Europe.
Lyon possess some of the most exciting young players in Europe with the likes of Nabil Fekir, Bertrand Traore and Tangy Ndombele.
There may be bigger names in Monday’s Champions League draw but Lyon have shown they can be a tricky customer to deal with and many top sides in Europe will hope to avoid them.
Disappointment For Shakhtar
It was a disappointing night for Paulo Fonseca’s men. They were totally outplayed at times and failed to create any clear cut chances.
In fact, they only managed to register just two shots on target compared to Lyon’s six.
They lacked quality in the final third and failed to test Anthony Lopes in the Lyon goal.
Having reached the knockout stage last season and given they had arguably an easier group this time around, not making it will be a huge blow for Fonseca’s men.
Drawing with Hoffenheim at home on matchday one and two heavy defeats to Manchester City essentially cost them their place in the last 16.
Shakhtar have a lengthy winter break before they resume their campaign in the Europa League.
Paulo Fonseca will hope they can have an impact in that competition, which they won back in 2009.
Unlike Shakhtar, Lyon are back to domestic business on Sunday facing Thierry Henry’s Monaco at home.
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Photo credit to Olympique Lyonnais via Twitter
