At the Groupama Stadium, OL Lyonnes answered a rare European frustration with another domestic statement. A 5-0 win over Toulouse kept Jonatan Giráldez’s side perfect in the Arkema Première Ligue and alone at the summit before the international break.
Lyon return to winning ways in the league
Three days after being held 0-0 by Chelsea in the Champions League, Lyon made sweeping changes and still overwhelmed newly promoted Toulouse on Saturday.
- Giráldez altered 10 players from the team that started against Chelsea on Wednesday.
- Inès Benyahia broke the deadlock in the third minute, curling a direct free-kick into the net.
- Ada Hegerberg doubled Lyon’s advantage in the 28th minute.
- Tabitha Chawinga added a third seven minutes later as Toulouse struggled to contain the home side.
- Vicki Becho Joseph made it 4-0 in the 76th minute.
- Caroline Weir completed the scoring six minutes from time.
The result extended Lyon’s flawless league start. They head into the international window three points clear of Paris Saint-Germain on a provisional basis, with PSG due to face Fleury on Sunday afternoon. Lyon’s goal difference stands at a formidable +24.
Marseille denied at the last
Marseille looked set to strengthen their excellent early-season position at Strasbourg, only for Racing to rescue a 3-3 draw in added time at La Meinau.
The visitors had recovered from a difficult spell to establish a 3-1 lead, but Strasbourg refused to fold and found an equaliser in the 92nd minute. Marseille remain third for now, though Paris FC could take the final podium place later in the evening. Strasbourg move up to seventh.
Nantes leave the bottom spot
Elsewhere, Nantes began the fourth round at the foot of the table but earned a 1-1 draw against Montpellier at La Beaujoire. The point lifts Nantes out of the relegation places temporarily, with Lens still to play Paris FC on Saturday night.
Le Havre also moved into fifth after a 2-0 home victory over fellow promoted side Saint-Malo. The match at the Stade Océane was not straightforward, but Le Havre found the result they needed to continue their encouraging start.
