On an exhilarating evening at Stade Saint-Symphorien, Lyon dismantled Metz 5-2 in a riveting Ligue 1 showdown. Endrick was the star of the show, notching a hat-trick to propel Lyon to a dominant victory. The match was marked by early fireworks, as Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, with Corentin Tolisso providing the assist. Ruben Kluivert doubled the lead just five minutes later, courtesy of a pass from Khalis Merah.
A First Half Dominated by Lyon's Precision
Lyon set the tone with a blistering start, scoring four goals in the first half. After Endrick and Kluivert's early strikes, Tyler Morton added a third in the 32nd minute. Metz's Koffi Kouao attempted to pull one back two minutes later, but Endrick struck again in first-half stoppage time, assisted by Morton, to give Lyon a commanding 4-1 lead at the break. Metz struggled to contain Lyon's attacking prowess, and a disallowed goal for offside by Endrick in the 23rd minute only briefly interrupted Lyon's momentum.
Endrick's Hat-trick Seals the Deal
The second half saw Metz trying to claw back, with Habib Diallo finding the net in the 64th minute thanks to Kouao's assist. However, Endrick completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 87th minute, putting the game beyond doubt. Lyon's clinical finishing was evident with ten shots on goal compared to Metz's six, despite Metz having a slight edge in possession at 53%.
Key Performances Highlight the Contest
Endrick’s display was nothing short of spectacular, with six shots on target and a player rating of 10. Metz's Boubacar Traoré showcased his ability in duels, winning eight out of fifteen challenges. Meanwhile, Koffi Kouao was influential, contributing to both goals for Metz and drawing two fouls. Despite his efforts, Metz couldn't cope with the swift attacks orchestrated by Lyon's midfield, driven by Tolisso and Morton.
Looking Ahead
Lyon's recent form has been inconsistent, but this emphatic win builds on their last victory against Monaco, suggesting a resurgence under their current form. For Metz, the defeat reflects a challenging phase, with previous close encounters not yielding points. They will need to regroup quickly as they look to climb the standings in the coming weeks.
