play pause open close
 
Played
January 14, 2012 8:00 PM GMT
Stade de la Mosson — Montpellier
Referee:‬ S. Lannoy‎
Attendance:‬ 18889‎
 
 

Montpellier HSC 1-0 Olympique Lyonnais: Giroud's winner dents visitors' title hopes

Olivier Giroud grabbed his 14th goal of the season to leave Rene Girard's men to within three points of leaders PSG, whilst also handing OL their seventh defeat of the campaign

By Mohammed Ali

Montpellier HSC reversed their recent run of bad form by beating an injury-hit Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 in their Ligue 1 encounter at Stade de la Mosson.

La Paillade were the better of the two sides in a competitive game, and could've taken the lead after 30 minutes had Remy Cabella's effort not hit the woodwork. Perseverance paid off for Montpellier who broke the deadlock after the hour through Olivier Giroud.

Lyon failed to seriously trouble the hosts' back-line, and could only muster sporadic chances, though Alexandre Lacazette should have done better with a late opportunity afforded to him.

Remi Garde endured a major defensive crisis heading into this match, with no first or second choice defenders available. Anthony Reveilliere, Dejan Lovren and Cris were all injured, Mohamadou Dabo suspended, and John Mensah, Sidy Kone and Bakary Kone at the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Guieda Fofana slotting in at right-back, and Garde relying on the unusual partnership of Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Maxime Gonalons in central defence, Lyon could be forgiven for looking a little rough around the edges in the early stages on the south coast.

Rene Girard's high-flying outfit were the better of the sides, creating much of the early chances, but top scorer Olivier Giroud failed to manoeuvre a way past the visitors' makeshift defence.

It wasn't until the half-hour mark that either side fashioned the first gilt-edged chance, and when it did come, it really should've been 1-0 to the hosts. Remy Cabella, latching on to Giroud's header, smashed a half-volley which cannoned off the post as Hugo Lloris scrambled.

Montpellier pressured their visitors, and la Paillade again spurned another decent chance. John Utaka raced down on the left-flank, picking out Giroud who fired an audacious overhead kick wayward. The pair linked up again, but this time he was thwarted by Lloris as the hosts finished the half strongly.

Les Gones' were once again uncertain at the back with Montpellier unrelenting in their attacking play. Giroud raced past his marker, with Gueida Fofana pulling out a last-minute stop to deny Geoffrey Dernis.

However, by this point, Lyon's luck had run out and the home side finally got their goal. Dernis' long ball found Giroud, who beat the offside trap and slid an effort past Hugo Lloris from a tight angle after the hour mark to make it 14 goals in Ligue 1 this season for the striker.

Substitute Alexandre Lacazette wasted arguably Lyon's best chance in front of goal late on, taking too long to trigger his shot away, as a resolute defence stood firm. Marco Estrada and Karim Ait-Fana also were profligate for the hosts, who should've scored more on the day.

Neither side could produce any late drama, as Remi Garde's visitors were handed their sixth defeat on the road this season and seventh overall as their title challenge took a considerable dent. Rene Girard's men remain three points off the top.

Montpellier travel to Nice on matchday 21, as Lyon host Dijon. Both sides have Coupe de France round of 16 commitments next week against lower-league outfits.


Montpellier HSC

16
Geoffrey Jourdren
Goalkeeper
5.5
2
Garry Bocaly
Defender
6.0
3
6.0
5
6.0
5
Henri Bedimo
Defender
6.0
22
6.0
6
Joris Marveaux
Midfielder
5.5
20
Rémy Cabella
Midfielder
78′
6.5
7
John Utaka
Striker
61′
5.0
12
7.0
17
7.5

Olympique Lyonnais

6.0
1
Hugo Lloris
Goalkeeper
5.5
12
5.5
43
Samuel Umtiti
Defender
5.0
6
Kim Källström
Midfielder
36′
5.5
7
Clément Grenier
Midfielder
4.0
10
Ederson
Midfielder
68′
5.0
11
5.0
15
Gueida Fofana
Defender
60′
5.5
21
Maxime Gonalons
Midfielder
4.0
9
Licha López
Striker
5.5
19
Jimmy Briand
Striker
74′

Substitutes

1
Laurent Pionnier
Goalkeeper
-
25
-
27
-
13
-
14
Romain Pitau
Midfielder
-
18
-
24
-

Substitutes

-
-
Mathieu Valverde
Goalkeeper
-
2
Lamine Gassama
Defender
-
-
Amos Youga
Defender
-
-
Mehdi Zeffane
Defender
-
49
Jordan Ferri
Midfielder
-
17
-
24
Jérémy Pied
Striker
74′

Coach/Manager

-
-

Coach/Manager

-
-
Remi Garde
Coach
 
  • Goal
  • Own Goal
  • Penalty
  • Penalty Missed
  • Yellow Card
  • Assist
  • Penalty Save
  • Penalty Shootout Goal
  • Penalty Shootout Miss
  • Yellow Card / Red Card
  • Red Card
  • Substitution IN
  • Substitution OUT
  • Injury
  • Goal.com Rating
  • Goal.com Man of the Match
  • Goal.com Flop of the Match
  • Top & Flop Global Ranking
  • Fans' Man of the Match
  • Fans' Flop of the Match
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
Advertisement
Results
 
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Olivier Giroud Olivier Giroud
Striker
Montpellier Herault SC
16 1
Nenê Nenê
Midfielder
PSG
11 6
Kevin Gameiro Kevin Gameiro
Striker
PSG
10 1
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Striker
AS Saint-Etienne
10 0
Eden Hazard Eden Hazard
Midfielder
Lille
9 3
Advertisement