Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland scored as AS Monaco secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Lyon to reach the Coupe de France semi-finals.
AS Monaco secured their place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Lyon. It was a fantastic result for Niko Kovac’s men who were rewarded for their patience, as they continue to impress in domestic competitions.
This was indeed a game of two halves, as Olympique Lyon started out as by far the better side. They created numerous chances, thus keeping Monaco on the backfoot. However, Les Gones were extremely wasteful in front of goal, hitting the post thrice inside the first half as the two teams drew goalless heading into half-time.
It was a completely different story in the second half, with AS Monaco winning a penalty just five minutes after the restart due to a high boot from Sinaly Diomande. It led to a penalty as well as the second yellow for the Lyon defender, leaving Rudi Garcia with a man down throughout the entirety of the second half.
Monaco made full of their opportunities, initially converting the spot-kick through Wissam Ben Yedder before Kevin Volland’s rocket strike around the hour mark helped them double their lead. It was enough to seal the victory for Les Monegasques and here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these two teams in their riveting match-up in this Coupe de France quarterfinal.
Lyon
Julian Pollersbeck: 4/10
Julian Pollersbeck should have done much better to keep out Volland, whose thumping strike saw the Lyon goalkeeper getting beaten at his near post.
Sinaly Diomande: 2/10
Sinaly Diomande had a relatively decent first half but a silly high foot earned him a second yellow. It led to a penalty as well as Lyon going ten men – effectively blowing their chances of winning this tie.
50’ Lyon have a goal disallowed.
51’ Lyon go down go 10 men.
53’ Monaco take the lead.
A terrible three minutes for Lyon against Monaco in the Coupe de France! pic.twitter.com/M8ZTIy3kM6
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) April 21, 2021
Marcelo: 6/10
Marcelo was relatively better than Diomande, though he should have fared a bit better in denying Volland the space for the second goal. Had some problems defensively in the second half. Best defender for Lyon nonetheless.
Mattia De Sciglio: 5/10
Mattia De Sciglio produced a dubious performance against Monaco. Although he was not involved in any defensive error, the defender did not offer enough resistance either.
Leo Dubois: 5.5/10
Leo Dubois started as a wingback which saw him operate higher up the pitch. The Frenchman offered good movements and energy but he was not consistent enough with his offensive or defensive game.
Thiago Mendes: 6/10
Thiago Mendes tried his best to put pressure on Monaco ball carriers. However, he didn’t have a great second half and also lost possession numerous times.
Maxence Caqueret: 6.5/10
Maxence Caqueret came close to scoring when his effort hit the crossbar in the first half. The youngster made some good runs forward, but was unable to make the difference.
Melvin Bard: 6/10
Melvin Bard looked very promising in the first half as he offered good movements on the left flank. Also covered ground very well, but got troubled by the Monaco attackers late on.
Maxwel Cornet: 5/10
Maxwel Cornet showed a lot of intent after being deployed in an attacking role by Rudi Garcia. He wasn’t able to offer the penetration that was required though.
Lucas Paqueta: 5/10
Lucas Paqueta looked very promising at times, but he was often let down by his poor decision making in the final third. He got replaced midway through the second half.
Memphis Depay: 6/10
Memphis Depay was perhaps the most lively attacker for Lyon, which is barely a surprise. The Dutchman, though, was extremely wasteful in front of goal and was given handed a yellow for simulation.
I can’t wrap my mind around this quarter final.
Very disappointed very upsetting and everything but fair! pic.twitter.com/eJDH0u8kyw— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) April 21, 2021
Substitutes
Houssem Aouar: 6/10
Houssem Aouar couldn’t impact the game much after coming on as a replacement for Paqueta midway through the second half.
Islam Slimani: 5/10
Islam Slimani didn’t find too many scoring opportunities during the final phase of the game. It was simply not the night for Lyon.
Karl Toko Ekambi: 5/10
Karl Toko Ekambi added some freshness in the Lyon attack but it was not enough to make a difference to the proceedings.
Bruno Guimaraes: N/A
A late replacement for Mendes. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Cenk Ozkacar: N/A
A late replacement for Dubois. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
AS Monaco
Radoslaw Majecki: 7/10
Radoslaw Majecki was extremely busy during the early stages of the game as Lyon looked threatening to score. Although he was lucky not to concede a goal, the Pole showcased brilliant composure in between the sticks.
Ruben Aguilar: 6/10
Ruben Aguilar couldn’t offer much offensively, but he remained solid in the defensive side of the game. Could’ve used a bit more going forward and playing his natural role though.
PSG and Monaco qualified with relative ease for the Coupe de France semi-finals tonight, beating Angers & Lyon respectively. 3 Ligue 1 sides & 1 4th division side left in the competition.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) April 21, 2021
Axel Disasi: 8/10
Axel Disasi was a rock at the back for Monaco. He made many important interceptions and clearances – keeping the Lyon attack at bay for the most part of the game.
Benoit Badiashile: 7.5/10
Benoit Badiashile complemented the defensive efforts of Disasi and helped Monaco retain the clean sheet. He was strong particularly in ground or aerial duels, though he was helped by a lack of a natural striker from Lyon.
Caio Henrique: 6.5/10
Caio Henrique had to remain vigilant against the threat of Cornet in the first half. He was much more effective after the restart – making some useful forays down the flanks.
Sofiane Diop: N/A
Sofiane Diop’s night was cut short after picking up an early injury that forced him off the pitch. It will be a big blow for Monaco in these final stages of the campaign. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Youssouf Fofana: 6.5/10
Youssouf Fofana was a vital cog in Monaco’s second line of press. His tenacity and energy were important in denying the Lyon midfielders from dominating this game.
Aurelien Tchouameni: 6.5/10
Aurelien Tchouameni added the extra dynamism in Monaco’s second line of press with his work ethic and ability to win possession. He was solid in possession, as well.
Fode Ballo-Toure: 6.5/10
Fode Ballo-Toure looked quite lively, at times, particularly with his offensive runs going forward. He was vital in helping Monaco win the penalty while the attacker also linked well with Volland.
Wissam Ben Yedder: 7/10
Wissam Ben Yedder calmly converted the penalty that turned out to be the winner for Monaco. The forward offered some good hold-up play, even though he was offered very little space.
Kevin Volland: 7/10
Kevin Volland’s second-half performance played a key role in helping Monaco emerge as the victors in this game. His fantastic strike around the hour, in particular, helped Kovac’s men seal the victory.
?? KEVIN VOLLAND quickly makes it a 2-0 lead for @AS_Monaco_EN over @OL_English in the #CoupeDeFrance Quarterfinal!
Watch #OLASM for free on https://t.co/OQzCHWzQSH pic.twitter.com/MzS5ZIdGt1
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 21, 2021
Substitutes
Aleksandr Golovin: 6/10
Aleksandr Golovin replaced the injured Diop early. Unfortunately, he was unable to offer the additional creativity going forward.
Djibril Sidibe: 6.5/10
Djibril Sidibe replaced Ballo-Toure around the hour mark to offer additional resistance to his side.
Gelson Martins: N/A
A late replacement for Volland. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Willem Geubbels: N/A
A late replacement for Ben Yedder. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
