#OL70years one day, one season : 1958-59

Published on 05 June 2020 at 7:00 AM by

In 2020, Olympique Lyonnais celebrates its 70th anniversary. For the occasion, the club's media will, from May 26, the date of the official announcement of the club's creation, offer a look back into the team's history with a season every day of the week and thus go back in time to August 27, the date of the club's first official match.

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.

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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

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.