OL drop goal fest to Genoa in second preseason friendly

. AS IT HAPPENED .
11’. Thiago Mendes gives Lyon the lead. 1-0
15’. Criscito levels score from the penalty spot. 1-1
23’. Lopes makes a diving save on a deflected shot.
51’. Yanga Mbiwa strikes home for OL after a corner kick. 2-1
61’. Fofana adds a third goal for the French side. 3-1
65’. Ghiglione pulls one back for Genoa with a fine finish. 3-2
71’. Hiljemark finds the back of the net to even the proceedings . 3-3
86’. Kouamé fires it in from close range and Genoa turn the score around. 3-4
. THE MATCH .
OL played the second of five scheduled preseason friendlies ahead of their August 9 Ligue 1 Conforama opener at Monaco. After a first test that left plenty of positive lessons despite the negative result (a 2-1 defeat against Servette), OL were looking to build on that - particularly in attack - during Saturday's showdown with Genoa in Gueugnon. Head coach Sylvinho, who started numerous Academy players and new signings last week, was able to give some second-half minutes to the returning internationals (Tatarusanu, Memphis, Traoré and Dubois) who reported back for duty this week.
The Brazilian manager, faithful to his 4-3-3 formation, called for a high-pressing game during the opening half to smother OL's Serie A opponent. A promising start was soon materialized when Thiago Mendes gave Les Gones an early lead (11 ', 1-0) with a fine finish. But less than five minutes later, a Mapou Yanga Mbiwa penalty was converted by Genoa captain Criscito (14 ', 1-1) as both teams went to the break tied at one.
GOOOOAAALLLL!! A Thiago Mendes strike gives Les Gones the lead! #OLGenoa pic.twitter.com/XreK63tTP9
— OL English (@OL_English) July 20, 2019
Lyon quickly re-took the lead shortly after the halftime interval thanks to Mapou Yanga Mbiwa, who took advantage of Martin Terrier's well-taken corner kick (51 ', 2-1). Second-half substitute Boubacar Fofana then extended the lead with an unstoppable rocket into the upper 90 (61 ', 3-1). Despite being in the driver's seat, OL saw their lead quickly evaporate on three straight unanswered goals from Ghiglione (65 ', 3-2), Hiljemark (71', 3-3) and Kouamé (86 ', 3-4). Next up for Sylvinho and company is Arsenal, who'll host Les Gones on Sunday, July 28 in the Emirates Cup.
61' GOOOAAAALLLL! Immediate impact by Bouba Fofana, who strikes it home on his first touch after coming on as a sub! 😍 #OLGenoa 3-1 pic.twitter.com/ruOJD3zxLN
— OL English (@OL_English) July 20, 2019
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. BOX SCORE . Stade Jean Laville, Gueugnon. Bookings: Criscito (37'), Lerager (44') and El Yamiq (89') for Genoa.
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