Garde proud of Lyon´s fight

Lyon coach Remi Garde has praised his side’s determination after they came from behind to win their Coupe de la Ligue semi-final against Lorient.

Garde’s men were 2-0 down with 10 minutes left to play in Tuesday’s match, but goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Jimmy Briand pulled the game back to 2-2.

A strike from Bafetimbi Gomis 12 minutes into extra time gave Garde’s side the lead before Lacazette’s second of the evening sealed victory.

“I will say (our strength) is the ability to react when we are in difficulties quite often,” Garde said.

“In this case we came back after missing some chances in the first half. I think we should have scored the first goal.”

“In the second half Lorient were more focused than us.”

“I can say that I have a fantastic group, with a lot of ability and a very good mental attitude. We never gave up. We always believed in the victory. This is why the potential of the team is so important.”

“The power of every group, every team in football, is to be united – to have a good frame of mind.”

Lorient coach Christian Gourcoff said he was proud of his side, despite squandering their two-goal lead.

“I am very happy with the team,” Gourcoff said. “I am very proud of our football. Even If during the first half, we made some technical mistakes.”

“We could not convert all the chances we had. But it was very interesting, a lot of dynamism. I think we were closer to going 3-0 up than conceding for 2-1.”

“Then we concede a goal. After that everything changes. We were tired. It was difficult for us to finish the game. And then, you have the equaliser.”

Lyon will now face either Nice or Marseille in the final.