Endrick delivered an impressive hat trick during Lyon’s 5-2 triumph against Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday, highlighting how wise Lyon was to secure his loan from Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old Brazilian forward, touted as a future star, had found limited opportunities at Madrid but has now netted four goals and provided an assist in just three matches since joining Lyon until the season’s end.
Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, deftly flicking in a cross from captain Corentin Tolisso with his reliable left foot, and doubled his tally just before halftime.
After receiving a pass from Tyler Morton on the right, he skillfully maneuvered inside, controlled the ball with both feet, and calmly slid it past goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer, who was left stranded on the ground.
In the 87th minute, Endrick showcased his footwork again to win a penalty, which he converted by deceiving Fischer.
The dynamic Brazilian could have added more to his tally, but Fischer saved both a close-range header and a low shot.
Lyon’s other goals came from central defender Ruben Kluivert, son of former Dutch and Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert, and Morton, allowing Lyon to maintain their position in fourth place.
In other Ligue 1 matches, forward Mohamed-Ali Cho netted twice for Nice as they triumphed 4-1 over Nantes, marking their first Ligue 1 victory since October 29.
Cho has now scored five goals this season, having made waves since 2021 when he became the youngest player in France to sign a professional contract with Angers.
Midfielders Sofiane Diop and Tom Louchet also found the back of the net for Nice, while Mostafa Mohamed scored for Nantes.
Nice manager Claude Puel has seen only one defeat in five matches since taking over from Franck Haise during a turbulent period, which included a nine-game losing streak.
Puel’s disciplined leadership offers a stabilizing influence during a challenging time for Nice, which has been supported by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s chemical company, Ineos, since 2019.
This marks Puel’s second tenure with Nice, previously coaching them from 2012 to 2016, during which he revitalized the career of former young talent Hatem Ben Arfa.
On another note, Toulouse secured a 2-0 victory over Brest, with goals from striker Yann Gboho and midfielder Pape Demba Diop, while Paris FC settled for a 0-0 draw at home against Angers.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.