Shaqiri, Boateng make Lyon debuts in Strasbourg win
Paris, Monday
Xherdan Shaqiri and Jerome Boateng made their Lyon debuts in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Strasbourg as Peter Bosz’s side won for the second straight game after a poor start to the Ligue 1 season.
Moussa Dembele’s terrific volley gave Lyon the lead on seven minutes at Groupama Stadium, with former Liverpool winger Shaqiri crossing for Jason Denayer to head in a second just past the hour.
Boateng, who left Bayern Munich this summer after 10 years at the club, came on for the final 30 minutes following his arrival on a free transfer.
The 2014 World Cup winner was convicted on Thursday of assaulting his ex-girlfriend during a Caribbean holiday three years ago, and fined 1.8 million euros ($2 million) by a court in Munich.
Lucas Paqueta added a third for Lyon by sweeping in a pass from Houssem Aouar, with Habib Diallo grabbing Strasbourg a late consolation from the penalty spot after a handball.
Lyon, who failed to win any of their first three games, moved up to seventh, seven points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Nice remained unbeaten after a 2-0 win at Nantes courtesy of late goals from Denmark forward Kasper Dolberg and Amine Gouiri.
Nice are fourth but have a game in hand after their August 22 match with Marseille was abandoned in the wake of a pitch invasion by Nice supporters.
The club was docked a point this week following the ugly incidents, and league officials ordered the match to be replayed behind closed doors at a neutral ground.
“We were not happy. We were on the pitch and we feel punished,” said Nice captain Dante. “But in life you can’t let your head drop.” -AFP
