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Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 32, 03/05/2026
Lyon have inflicted Rennes a serious blow in the race for Champions League football next season. Thanks to goals from Roman Yaremchuk, Corentin Tolisso, Afonso Moreira and Endrick, Les Gones are up to third place.
The Match
This Sunday’s crucial game in the race for the Champions League between Lyon and Rennes started with a bang – and a banger as well. With little movement around him on the right flank, Estéban Lepaul switches the ball to the other side with a deep cross towards Musa Al-Tamari. The Jordan international redirected it on the volley and into Dominik Greif’s top left corner – a sublime goal.
Despite going behind early on, Lyon were the most entreprising side, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Endrick tried to shake up his side a bit with his trademark dribbles, but his decision-making was poor. As for centre-forward Roman Yaremchuk, he was nowhere to be found by his teammates.
To his credit, the Ukrainian only needed one moment to make his mark. Corentin Tolisso’s inviting cross from the left found the Olympiacos loanee, who nudged ahead of Lilian Brassier to head past Brice Samba.
Five minutes later, Rennes came undone after messing up a corner kick, allowing Endrick to send Afonso Moreira clear on goal and well onside. The Portuguese winger was fouled by Samba and Clément Turpin gave a penalty to the hosts. Tolisso made it two goal contributions tonight in sending Samba the wrong way.
Minutes into the second half, Rennes responded well with Lepaul clinching his 19th Ligue 1 goal this season. But Paulo Fonseca’s Les Gones didn’t let doubt creep in. Lepaul lost possession in midfield for Abner to feed the unmarked Moreira, who made it 3-2.
Lyon were well on top of proceedings into the second half, keeping Lepaul and Breel Embolo well at bay. But Rennes were the makers of their own demise. Lyon forced another turnover with Mahamadou Nagida the culprit this time. Abner, Pavel Sulc and Tolisso combined to allow Endrick a clear shot at goal: the Brazil international made no mistake with a powerful effort under Samba’s crossbar.
Lyon’s collective quality was just too superior to Rennes’. Les Gones’ upturn in form continues at the best possible moment with a fourth Ligue 1 win in a row. They’re up to third with a four-point cushion on fifth-placed Rennes, whose Champions League hopes have taken a hit.
Lyon Player Ratings
Dominik Greif, 6
Abner Vinicius, 6
Moussa Niakhaté, 6
Clinton Mata, 7
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 5
Corentin Tolisso, 7
The captain looks to have made it his mission to lead his formative club back into the Champions League. His cross for Yaremchuk’s equaliser is excellent and he stepped up from the spotkick to nudge Lyon ahead.
Tyler Morton, 6
Afonso Moreira, 8
Bought for €2m, the former Sporting CP winger proves a hit this season with Lyon. Well involved in two Lyon goals tonight, he brought his tally to 18 goal contributions this season in all competitions.
Khalis Merah, 6
Endrick, 7
The Real Madrid loanee enjoyed plenty of freedom down Rennes’ left-side channel. Although his decision-making was questionable at times, there’s no denying he’s a special player at times. Sent Moreira clear on goal, which led to the penalty, and on the scoresheet to double his side’s lead.
Roman Yaremchuk, 6
Selected Rennes Player Ratings
Brice Samba, 4
Musa Al-Tamari, 6
The Jordan international could be the Rennes player that benefited the most of Franck Haise’s arrival in the dugout. His opener could be the best goal of the season, and he’s also involved for Lepaul’s 19th Ligue 1 goal this season.
Estéban Lepaul, 5
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
