Real Madrid’s loaned player Endrick scores three goals in Lyon’s victory.
Endrick’s hat trick in a 5-2 victory against Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday highlighted the astuteness of Lyon in securing him on loan from Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old Brazilian forward, who is highly regarded as a potential future star but had faced challenges in securing playing time in Madrid, has now netted four goals and provided an assist in just three matches since his arrival until the season’s conclusion.
Endrick skillfully redirected a cross from captain Corentin Tolisso with his reliable left foot in the 11th minute, then added his second goal during first-half stoppage time.
After being played through on the right by Tyler Morton, he maneuvered inside and controlled the ball with both feet before smoothly placing it beneath goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer, who was left on the ground after being beaten once more.
Endrick subsequently earned a penalty in the 87th minute with more impressive footwork by switching feet, and he converted it himself by deceiving Fischer.
The relentless Brazilian could have added more goals, but Fischer denied a close-range downward header and a low attempt.
Central defender Ruben Kluivert, the son of former Netherlands and Barcelona forward Patrick Kluivert, along with Morton, contributed the other goals as Lyon held onto fourth place.
In other Ligue 1 matches, forward Mohamed-Ali Cho led Nice to a 4-1 triumph over Nantes with two goals, marking their first Ligue 1 win since October 29.
Cho increased his season total to five goals. He made headlines in 2021 as a 16-year-old with Angers, becoming the youngest player in France to sign a professional contract.
Midfielders Sofiane Diop and Tom Louchet also found the net for Nice, while Egypt striker Mostafa Mohamed scored for the home side Nantes.
Nice coach Claude Puel has suffered only one defeat in five matches since taking over from Franck Haise amid significant tensions and a nine-game losing streak.
Puel’s disciplined approach provides a stabilizing influence during a challenging period for Nice, which has been supported by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s chemical company Ineos since 2019.
This marks Puel’s second tenure at the helm of Nice. He previously managed the team from 2012 to 2016, during which he revitalized the career of former teenage talent Hatem Ben Arfa.
Toulouse secured a 2-0 win at Brest with goals from striker Yann Gboho and midfielder Pape Demba Diop, while Paris FC was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Angers.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
