(Ligue 1 2022/2023): Highlights CLERMONT - LYON

Lyon knew only a win would likely keep them in the European conversation. They travelled to Clermont after their crazy nine-goal win over Montpellier. Captain Alexandre Lacazette and boss Laurent Blanc hoping they'd not have to wait till being 4-1 down to start playing. Especially against a Clermont side who despite seeing their club record five-match winning streak end in an 0-0 draw, were on course for a first ever top half of the table finish in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. The new era at OL after Jean-Michel Aulas became honorary president, John Texer in full control since his takeover. But it was once again Lyon's number 10 who looked to lead the way. Lacazette's 25th of the season but 15 alone in 2023. Just the third player to net a quarter of a century of goals in three different seasons Yet Lyon haven't made life easy for themselves. Just three minutes after taking the lead, a penalty to the hosts. Castelo Luqueva just back from suspension. Not the best returning gift. Four of his last five goals coming from the spot, once again clinical. The big striker in red-hot form. Perfectly balanced at the break. As it was in the club's short-lived Ligue 1 Uber Eats history. One win each and a draw in the season's reverse fixture. Luque might have been razor sharp from the spot. But he did rise to head in from open play. That sent the stad, Gabriel Monpierre, wild. Six goals in his last seven league games. Just one less than in his first 61. Lyon having to come from behind again. If less daunting than three goals down. Again awarded an injury time penalty. This time shooting for just a point rather than the three last weekend. Lacazette though tamed by Maury Diaw. Tried to keep out the noise. Diaw the hero guessing correctly. Denying Lyon's captain. The former PSG keeper taking the plaudits. Securing a huge win. A sixth in their last seven. Lacazette from cloud nine to crash back down to earth. Laurent Blanc declaring their chase for Europe over.