PSG vs. Lyon: Winners and Losers from French League Cup

Paris Saint-Germain progressed to the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue on Wednesday night, beating Olympique Lyonnais, 2-1, at the Parc des Princes.

The holders took the lead controversially after 17 minutes, when after a scramble, the ball was bundled over the line—Adrien Rabiot involved in the melee.

Lyon got the equaliser they deserved just before half-time when Corentin Tolisso took the ball beautifully on his chest before smashing a volley past Salvatore Sirigu. 

le but lyonnais et sirigu reaction pic.twitter.com/mK2thY88Xo

— philippe (@philousports) January 13, 2016

Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura came on in the second half, and the duo combined for the winning goal.

Lyon battled for the best part of an hour, but in the end, PSG had too much quality in reserve.

Here are the winners and losers from PSG’s 2-1 Coupe de la Ligue victory over Lyon.

Make no mistake about it, he may have only played 25 minutes on Wednesday night, but Di Maria was the difference against Lyon.

Replacing Benjamin Stambouli just after the hour, the Argentine gave PSG drive, skill, determination and the ability to attack the Lyon defence in a way they hadn’t at any point during the rest of the game.

Le but de Lucas avec un contre monstrueux mené par Di Maria ! #PSGOL pic.twitter.com/qNWNppzJJb

— Guillaume L (@GuillaumeL_) January 13, 2016

The former Manchester United man won the ball from a Lyon corner. After a beautiful first touch, he drove forward at pace before squaring the ball to Lucas Moura for the finish. He's a wonderful player having an outstanding season.

You can’t point the finger of blame at the players—perhaps Christophe Jallet for giving the ball away—but at some point, the referee’s and his assistants have to take responsibility.

It was fairly clear at full speed, and the subsequent replays showed that on the buildup to PSG’s opening goal, the ball went over the goal line. This is not to mention the fact that Rabiot was also offside moments before the ball went out.

le 4e arbitre nous prend pour des cons pic.twitter.com/M1c1lqq5vN

— philippe (@philousports) January 13, 2016

Two clear decisions that went against Lyon. Not only is it unfair to OL, but to the neutrals watching and the other teams left in the competition.

PSG are light years ahead of the opposition in so many ways—the last thing they need is help to progress. Lyon had started the game well, looking bright down the right flank. Luckily they came back to equalise, but the way it had a clear effect on their mental state changed the first half.

It has been a difficult campaign for the France under-21 international. In musical terms, it has been that difficult second album, but it looks like his form is turning in the right direction.

Covering for the injured Maxime Gonalons at the base of the midfield three, it was always going to be a tough night for the 21-year-old. When Lyon needed him, he answered, scoring a superb volley before half-time.

2 - Corentin Tolisso has scored 2 goals in his last 3 games all comps with Lyon, as many as in his previous 37. Banger.

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 13, 2016

Still learning his position and developing with every game, this is the type of fixture that can only help the youngster.

After scoring the winner against Saint-Etienne in the last round, Edinson Cavani was given a chance to lead the line against Lyon.

Blanc confirmed during the week that the player’s conduct had been brought up in a discussion, but he tried to play it down, per L'equipe.fr (via ESPN FC's Mark Rodden): 

We have several meetings like that to talk about various problems. Not only problems, incidentally -- things to improve, things to look at again, things to change

So we did indeed talk about Cavani too but it wasn't the main talking point of the meeting. ...

Cavani is not a problem. There was a situation that had to be judged, that had to be discussed and that we had to have an exchange about. That's all.

However, Wednesday’s performance will have done nothing to stop future conversations. It was easy during the first half to forget that the Uruguayan was even playing.

One or two half-chances followed in the second period, but Cavani was either offside or his touch let him down at the vital moment.