#OL70years one day, one season : 1958-59

The men of the season
Squad : Antonio, Beetschen, Constantino, Cossou, Dalla Cieca, Daniel, Djorkaeff, Dutto, L.Gardon, R.Gardon, Leborgne, Lerond, Lewandowicz, Manolios, Mignot, Mouynet, Ninel, Sabathier, Salen, Steibel.
Manager : Lucien Troupel
President : Armand Groslevin.
The story of the season
This was a season of big firsts. In December 1958, OL played their first European match in Milan against a giant of the game in Inter. The heavy defeat (7-0) illustrates the huge difference between the two leagues. In the return leg, Lucien Cossou scored OL’s first European goal, almost without notice. The European Cup did not have the prestige of today, and the match was played on a Wednesday afternoon, in front of few spectators ...
The match of the season : OL-Stade de Reims
There was a considerable feat achieved by OL during the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France. Facing the great Reims, who were reigning French champions and who were going to play the final of the European Cup a few weeks later, OL defied all predictions, winning (3-1 after added time). Even the fans in Oran, who were very attached to the stars of Reims, suddenly took up the cause of OL.
The player of the season : Lucien Cossou
On January 14, 1959, Lucien Cossou scored OL's first European goal at the Stade de Gerland, on a Wednesday at 2 p.m., in front of just over 3000 spectators. The European Cup was not yet as important as it is today. But this draw, 1-1 against Inter Milan, allowed the French international to leave an indelible mark on the history of OL.
The season in numbers