Goal-crazy Alexander Lacazette sparks Lyon’s late charge for European qualification

French striker Alexander Lacazette has propelled Lyon’s late surge for a European spot next season, thanks to his impressive goalscoring form in Ligue 1 that has helped to cover up his side’s defensive lapses

This was evident in their thrilling 5-4 victory over Montpellier last Sunday, where Lacazette’s remarkable four-goal performance led the team to a comeback win. The striker’s stoppage-time penalty resulted in an emotional celebration with the entire bench, leaving an indelible mark on the home crowd.

It was a fitting occasion for Lacazette to break in his new pair of boots.

“I received them as a lovely gift, and I will take great care to keep them pristine for the next game,” said Lacazette, who returned to Lyon in the offseason after a five-year spell with Arsenal in the Premier League.

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His goals have elevated his overall tally to 157 for Lyon, making him the second-highest scorer in the club’s history, behind Fleury Di Nallo (222). Lacazette’s status as one of the most beloved players in Lyon’s history is further solidified.

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With his lucky boots, Lacazette has set his sights on outscoring Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé to become the top scorer in the French league. Both players currently have 24 league goals, three more than Lille’s Jonathan David, with four games remaining.

The former Arsenal man eagerly embraces this challenge.

“Yes, because I know that if I score more goals, it will help the team improve and achieve the highest possible position,” expressed the 31-year-old Frenchman.

Lyon currently sits in seventh place, level on points with sixth-place Rennes but trailing on goal difference. Lille, holding the Europa Conference League spot, is three points ahead in fifth. All three teams have matches scheduled for Sunday.

Lyon will face mid-table Clermont in a lunchtime game. Among the top eight teams, only Monaco has conceded more goals than Lyon this season.

Rennes will host 19th-place Troyes, while Lille faces a challenging away fixture against fourth-place Monaco. Finishing fourth guarantees automatic qualification for the Europa League, and a victory for Lille would bring them within two points of Monaco.