Rafael rescues draw for Lyon at ten-man Monaco
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| AFP |
Former Manchester United defender Rafael salvaged a 1-1 draw with an 85th minute equaliser for Lyon at ten-man Monaco in French Ligue 1 action on Friday. The 25-year-old right-back, who spent seven years at Old Trafford and won three English Premier League titles, came to the rescue as Monaco failed to hang on to their 39th-minute lead.
"I'm happy to get the goal but we're a bit disappointed that we didn't push on and get the win," said Rafael. "The goal will give us some energy for the Champions League next week but we paid the price for a poor first half and a lack of rhythm."
Croatian international Mario Pasalic poached the opening goal for the home side six minutes before half-time following a corner from Thomas Lemar and a mistake by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. The 20-year-old Pasalic, who is on loan from English champions Chelsea, planted his header past the embarrassed Lopes and put Leonardo Jardim's side in front.
Monaco, who came into the match with a record of ten victories and five draws against Lyon, appeared to be well on their way to improving that statistic before Rafael's first goal for the club. The task for Monaco to protect their lead was compromised with 24 minutes left when Brazilian defender Wallace was shown a straight red card for a horror tackle on Algerian winger Rachid Ghezzal.
Then came Rafael's equaliser and a welcome boost for Hubert Fournier's men who now travel to Russia on Tuesday and a key UEFA Champions League tie against Zenit St. Petersburg.