Maxime Gonalons (left) with Danijel Milicevic duel, the striker Ghent. – J. THYS / AFP

Gilles Durand, special envoy in Ghent

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The spectrum of Nicosia hovered over this first meeting of the Champions League for Lyon . Facing a équipede AA Gent on paper that seemed largely in range, Lyon have gone next to them and have conceded a draw (1-1) in Belgian soil. Blame it?

A lack of desire . Striker Christophe Jallet conceives “We showed less desire than our opponent.” At eleven against eleven, in the first period, the midfielder OL never managed to get rid of the Belgian very high dry and very well organized. Outnumbered, the Ghent then gave a beautiful lesson in courage and selflessness. This is surely what most failed to Lyonnais to impose their play.

Poorly negotiated highlights . Early in the second period, Lyon has had many opportunities to get off after the goal of Jallet. But the Lyon attack trio still missing automation and failed to address too many times. Beauvue off, Lacazette only seemed able to tilt the game. But the awkwardness and destiny (a goal disallowed for offside and missed a penalty late in the game) decided otherwise.

Lyon was he deceived opponent ? At the end of the match conference, the coach Hubert Fournier spoke of “the fury of Genk.” The emotion, no doubt! Hopefully the Lyonnais have not watched the dating each other Flemish club to prepare. This might explain certain tactics wanderings.