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.