Ligue 1 Recap - superztars

“It wasn’t a mistake,” Endrick stated regarding his choice to join Olympique Lyonnais on a six-month loan from Real Madrid. “Life has its challenges. My journey hasn’t been easy,” he shared with reporters after Lyon’s emphatic 5-2 victory over FC Metz on Sunday. Based on his performances in France thus far, it’s hard to argue against his ease on the pitch. The 19-year-old has truly made a mark.

He opened his account just 42 minutes into his debut in the Coupe de France, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Lille OSC. Following that, he set up his fellow countryman Abner Vinícius in Lyon’s 2-1 triumph over Stade Brestois, and most recently netted his first career hat trick in the rout of FC Metz. In just three matches, Endrick has captivated the club with his exceptional skills.

After Sunday’s match, Lyon’s head coach Paulo Fonseca remarked, “He brings a unique style of play. I’ve often mentioned our need for more initiative and depth… With him on the team, we’ve certainly gained that. He can shift a game on his own and integrates well with the team. We must remember he hasn’t played much this season, so he’s bound to get better and continue to develop.”

Endrick Adds a New Dimension

Endrick has introduced a fresh dimension to a squad that seems to have regained its early-season momentum and will aim to stretch their winning streak to nine games when they face PAOK FC in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday. Unfortunately for them, Endrick is ineligible for their European campaign.

This season, Lyon has received criticism for sometimes lacking bite, particularly after the sale of Georges Mikautadze to Villarreal. His replacement, Martín Satriano, struggled, contributing only three goals in 19 appearances before leaving on loan to Getafe, as it became clear he wouldn’t get much playtime in the latter half of the season.

It seems Endrick’s arrival has already tackled that issue. In just three games, he has displayed a versatile skill set, ranging from a poacher’s goal against Lille to a variety of strikes against Metz, including a delicate chip, a sudden burst of speed, and a well-executed penalty. The teenager is creating new options previously unavailable, fostering optimism that Lyon could break their six-year absence from the UEFA Champions League.

Can Lyon Mount a Champions League Challenge?

Currently, Lyon sits fourth in the table, holding a four-point lead over Lille in fifth after the latest matches. This standing would grant them access to the third qualifying round of next season’s Champions League, but they will aim for even higher positions, particularly the automatic qualification spot held by Olympique de Marseille, who are just two points in front.

Endrick, having come in on a short-term loan seeking playing time ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer, could be the key player needed in the battle for Champions League spots. Should he depart after this summer, having helped Lyon achieve this milestone and its associated financial rewards, his brief tenure could prove crucial for a club grappling with financial challenges that nearly saw them relegated last summer.

This Week’s Ligue 1 Highlights

RC Lens’s title aspirations took a hit on Saturday as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Olympique de Marseille. Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri made his debut, coming on as a replacement for Mason Greenwood, and scored during a fast-paced start. Read the full match report HERE.