Paris (AFP) – Alexandre Lacazette scored on his return to Lyon because the hosts edged promoted Ajaccio 2-1 in a hard-fought Ligue 1 opener on Friday the place either side completed with ten males.
Former France worldwide Lacazette has returned on a free switch 5 years after he joined Arsenal for a then membership document payment of £46.5 million ($58 million).
The 31-year-old striker, who signed a 3 yr contract with the membership the place he made his title after coming by way of the youth system, scored from the penalty spot after 21 minutes.
Lacazette additionally performed a task within the opener sending by way of a cross from Johann Lepenant for Brazilian Tete to attain after 11 minutes.
Former Shakhtar Donetsk striker Tete, who joined Lyon after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, then gained the penalty from a Cedric Avinel foul.
That allowed Lacazette to make it 2-0 for his one hundred and first purpose with Lyon ten minutes later.
However Lyon struggled in defence with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes despatched off following a foul on Mounaim El Idrissy within the penalty space on the half-hour mark.
Thomas Mangani pulled one again for the guests, firing within the ensuing penalty previous substitute goalkeeper Remy Riou.
“We needed to win the primary sport at dwelling,” stated Lyon coach Peter Bosz.
“We might see the significance of Alexandre Lacazette, the respect of the opponent for him, the assist of the followers are a very good factor, however he can do higher.
“We had been main 2-0 after twenty minutes taking part in effectively. The sending off after thirty minutes modified loads of issues. Fortunately in addition they bought a pink card which helped us.”
Ajaccio’s Romain Hamouma was despatched off simply earlier than the break after selecting up a second yellow card for a hand within the face of Lucas Paqueta.
Each side had their possibilities within the second half with Riou denying Riad Nouri after an hour with midfielder Corentin Tolisso, additionally again in Lyon after 5 years in Bayern Munich, drawing a clean as he got here off the bench with 1 / 4 of an hour to go.
