**Lyon beats Rennes 2-1 in Ligue 1, qualifying for Europa League.**

**Lyon Beats Rennes 2-1 in Ligue 1, Qualifying for Europa League**

In a thrilling encounter that captivated the hearts of fans across France, Lyon secured a hard-fought victory over Rennes in the final match of their Ligue 1 season. The game was played on Sunday, May 8th at Stade Velodrome in Lyon, and it was a crucial moment for both teams as they navigated through the crowded playoff standings.

The match started with both teams displaying high energy levels, but Lyon quickly found themselves in control. In the 24th minute, Lyon's forward Thomas Lemar struck first, breaking the deadlock and giving his team a much-needed lead. The goal was greeted by thunderous applause from the Lyon faithful, who had been eagerly awaiting this result all season long.

Rennes, despite being down 1-0, refused to give up. They pressed Lyon aggressively and created several chances in the second half. However, Lyon's defense held firm, and their goalkeeper Benoit Vidal made some key saves to keep the scoreline tied.

The game went into extra time, which saw both teams pushing for a winner. In the 97th minute, Lyon finally broke the deadlock when substitute midfielder Yannick Carrasco delivered a beautiful free-kick that deflected off Rennes' keeper before finding its way into the net. This goal gave Lyon a narrow two-goal advantage and sent the crowd into raptures.

As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, Rennes tried everything to扳 back the deficit. But Lyon's defense remained unbroken, and their goalkeeper once again saved multiple shots. With only minutes left, Rennes were forced to settle for a disappointing draw.

With this win, Lyon secured their place in the UEFA Europa League, where they will face a strong group of opponents. This qualification is a significant achievement for the club, marking the end of their challenging season and setting the stage for potential glory in Europe.

For Rennes, the defeat leaves them in fourth place in the league table, one point behind Lyon. While they may be disappointed with their outcome, they have shown resilience throughout the season and will undoubtedly look to bounce back in the coming weeks.

This victory not only lifts Lyon's spirits but also serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and teamwork in football. As they prepare for their next challenge, Lyon looks forward to continuing their impressive run and potentially securing a European title in the near future.