Endrick Shines with Hat Trick in Lyon’s Victory Over Metz

Endrick’s remarkable hat trick in Lyon’s 5-2 victory over Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday showcased the astuteness of Lyon in securing his loan from Real Madrid.

At just 19 years old, the Brazilian forward—hailed as a future superstar—had previously struggled to find playing time at Madrid. However, since joining Lyon until the end of the season, he has netted four goals and provided one assist in just three appearances.

Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, deftly flicking in a cross from team captain Corentin Tolisso with his signature left foot. He added a second goal just before half-time, skillfully controlling a pass from Tyler Morton, cutting inside, and calmly placing the ball beneath goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer, who was left stranded on the turf.

In the 87th minute, Endrick’s finesse drew a penalty, which he confidently converted, outmaneuvering Fischer once more. The talented Brazilian could have increased his tally but was thwarted by Fischer, who made a crucial save against a close-range header and a low shot.

Additionally, central defender Ruben Kluivert, the son of former Netherlands and Barcelona forward Patrick Kluivert, and Morton contributed to the scoreline, helping Lyon maintain its fourth-place standing in the league.

In other Ligue 1 matches, Nice secured a significant 4-1 victory over Nantes, thanks to two goals from forward Mohamed-Ali Cho, who now boasts a total of five goals this season. Cho first gained attention in 2021 as the youngest player in France to sign a professional contract with Angers.

Midfielders Sofiane Diop and Tom Louchet also found the net for Nice, while Egypt’s striker Mostafa Mohamed scored for Nantes.

Since taking over from Franck Haise amidst significant tension and a streak of nine consecutive losses, Nice coach Claude Puel has now lost only once in five games. Puel’s disciplined management approach has provided a stabilizing presence during a challenging period for Nice, which has been backed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos since 2019.

Puel, currently in his second tenure with Nice after previously coaching the club from 2012 to 2016, rejuvenated the career of former teen sensation Hatem Ben Arfa during his first spell.

Elsewhere, Toulouse achieved a 2-0 victory over Brest, thanks to goals from striker Yann Gboho and midfielder Pape Demba Diop, while Paris FC was held to a 0-0 draw at home against Angers.