2021 European Apertura Top 25 (2 of 25)

Newly promoted Clermont Foot had an exciting start to the season, with wins against Bordeaux and promoted Troyes. By comparison, traditional heavy-weights Lyon were struggling under former Bayer Leverkusen manager, Peter Bosz, following the departures of manger Rudi Garcia and striker Memphis Depay.

Moussa Dembélé, freshly returned from an unproductive half-season on loan at Atlético Madrid, earned and then scored Bosz’s side an early penalty. Clermont were not down long, though, as a 12’ right corner to the near post was sent in off defender Sinaly Diomandé for an equalizing own goal. In an exciting and even game, Dembélé scored a poacher’s goal midway through the 1^st half, and Lucas Pacquetá added a brilliant insurance goal in injury time, passing his way into the box and the scoresheet just before the break.

The second half seemed unlikely to change things until Elbasan Rashani came on with just over 20’ remaining as part of a double change for Clermont. With 10’ remaining in regulation, Rashani was neatly played into the box by Mohamed Bayo and chipped Anthony Lopes to pull one back. Clermont still needed a double save from Arthur Desmas, against Houssem Auoar and Karl Toko Ekambi on a counter at the end of regulation, before Rashani headed in a 91’ equalizer off a Johan Gastien corner kick. A terrible back-pass by Emerson Palmieri actually gave Bayo a 94’ chance at a game-winner, but he pulled his effort wide.

Sadly, Clermont’s early form would not last, and they would enter the winter break just a point above the relegation spots. Tactical Analysis from: Total Football Analysis (Clermont’s possession game).