Depay scores, Fekir returns as Lyon beat Amiens

By A. Scott

Memphis Depay again got his name on the scoresheet as Olympique Lyonnais beat Amiens SC 3-0 at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday, a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 Conforama win keeping them on course to finish in the top three.

Olympique Lyonnais  3 – 0  Amiens SC

THE MATCH

Lyon have found form again at the right time, and they were determined to keep their good run going here to maintain the pressure firmly on Olympique de Marseille in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

They also welcomed back fit-again Nabil Fekir, a month and a half after his last league appearance, although coach Bruno Genesio left his star man on the bench at kick-off, only sending him on for the final quarter of an hour.

Depay is the man of the moment, though, and he set up the opener on the half-hour mark, laying the ball off for Mariano Díaz to convert his 18th league goal of the campaign (30′).

Most of the chances came after the restart, but Amiens goalkeeper Régis Gurtner frequently denied the hosts, including with a fine save from Marcelo after the Brazilian rose to meet a Depay corner (55′). He also got in the way of a Depay strike (69′) and a Bertrand Traore shot (70′), keeping the visitors in the game.

Fekir has hand in late goals

But his Lyon counterpart Anthony Lopes was only seriously tested when he had to get down low to his left to save a Stiven Mendoza header (65′), and the hosts eventually put the game to bed late on, after Fekir’s introduction.

Fekir released Traoré, who crossed for Depay to make it 2-0 from close range (83′), and then made the third goal. He worked his way into the area and was at the point of shooting when Mendoza intercepted, although the Colombian only succeeded in giving an assist to Traoré to complete the scoring (85′).

While OL are on course for a podium place, Amiens should still be safe despite this defeat given the gap between them and the relegation zone.

THE PLAYER: Memphis Depay

Another week, another decisive display from the Dutchman. An assist and a goal from him here means five goals and five assists in four games, going back to his winner at Marseille last month. This was not Depay at his very best, but with him proving so valuable, and Fekir back, it is looking good for OL.

THE STAT: 5

Five wins in a row for Lyon, their longest such run since they put together seven victories in a row between December 2014 and January 2015.

>> Teamsheet

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