(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights LYON - MONTPELLIER

The weekend's heatwave saw Lyon's clash with Montpellier pushed back by two hours, but it was OL boss Laurent Blanc who was truly feeling the heat. A poor pre-season campaign and an opening day defeat to Strasbourg, not a good return. The visitors drew their opener, new sign Ackward-Adams leading the line again after a double against Ligue 2 Bekete champions La Havre last weekend. Blanc already had seen Castello-Lucava sold while Dejan Lovren, Corentin Tolisso and Anthony Lopez were all out injured, the latter's understudy setting the tone for OL. Arnaud Naudin was happy to accept the gift. Six goals in his last seven away league games, as many as in his previous 55 matches on the road. But the first of this new campaign, Rémi Rieu, with an utter disaster. No wonder Naudin was setting the tone. It was Eddie Wai who wreaked havoc on Montpellier's last trip to the Groupama Stadium, but with the youngster being presented as a loans player up north, this time Lapaye had shared out the responsibility. Moussa Al-Tamari with a stunning solo effort. Not just a first goal in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, the first Jordanian to net in France's top flight, a 103rd different nationality netting in the top flight. Lyon mounted a quite incredible comeback in May, from 4-1 down to win 5-4. Yet given that Montpellier had scored at least three in their last four away games and Lyon were struggling to break the visitors down, it certainly didn't bode well, despite the home supports continued flag-waving. Despite pushing, Bradley Barcoula couldn't find a teammate and a route to goal. Benjamin Lecomte was quick off the mark. Even quicker, Al-Tamari cutting across his man, slotting under Rémi Rieu. The 26-year-old Jordanian international, having already scored a third of his league total in the Belgian top flight last term, quick thinking from Lecomte. Once again, Lyon finding themselves three down, as they did back in May. Yet Montpellier must have feared déjà vu. A certain Alexander Lacazette scored four times, including a dramatic late penalty winner. He finished that campaign on 27 league goals. This the captain's first, which had Ligon fans hoping once again. They were bouncing, but not for long, as there was to be no repeat. Lacazette letting his frustrations get the better of him. A wild kick. Jordan Ferry with his ex-teammate, as he was sent packing. Well, not since the early 1970s had Lyon conceded six times in their opening two fixtures. But as they were down to 10 men and trailing, they were left completely exposed. Akkor Adams brilliantly getting round Rieu and showing brilliant composure. The Nigerian, the only player to score in his first two Ligan-Uberi games for Montpellier since Alberto Tino Costa in August 2009. Well, the last time Montpellier were unbeaten in their opening two weekends, they ended the season champions. In answer to a journalist as to what needs to change at Lyon, Le Brun answered, the coach. 5-4, they lost last time. Montpellier, this time, didn't let the lead slip.