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Lyon maintain off problem of six different groups to win the title



Lyon defended the title forward of SIX different groups in a frantic new daybreak for Ligue 1 in 2002/03.

No aspect had been profitable in defending the title for greater than a decade, however this run was damaged by Lyon who received their second-ever Ligue 1 title, beating off challenges from a minimum of six golf equipment.

Their whole of 68 factors could not have been sufficient to say a spot within the Champions League as of late, nevertheless it was sufficient within the first-ever ‘Ligue 1‘ season. The LFP had chosen to implement a brand new makeover for the outdated Division 1, with Monaco (67), Marseille (65) Bordeaux (64), Saint-Etienne (64) and Auxerre (64) all harbouring real title hopes till the tip.

CHANGES

Liverpool had been the large consumers in France in the summertime of 2002, on the again of a optimistic World Cup for Senegal. The English aspect noticed match to prise Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf to Anfield, whereas additionally choosing up no-nonsense midfielder Bruno Cheyrou.

Andre Luiz was the large signing, quitting Corinthians for PSG in an 11 million euro deal, whereas huge ahead Jean Claude Darcheville moved to Bordeaux within the shut season.

SEASON SUMMARY

2002-03 proved to be a really topsy-turvy season for all involved. First, a minimum of 10 groups occupied the highest spot all through the marketing campaign, a then-record for the French high tier. No aspect, not even the longer term champions Lyon had occupied the lead for greater than a month at a time, and even then – it was unheralded Good who managed that feat. The truth is, the southern membership had reached high spot on a minimum of 4 events, however a disastrous second half of the marketing campaign noticed them end solely in tenth spot.

By the midway level, Les Aiglons had been 2nd, a degree behind Marseille however one away from Monaco, Lyon and Auxerre.

No aspect may muster a powerful problem – and with 7 groups within the combine – together with a Guingamp aspect impressed by Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda – it appeared that every aspect had been intent on taking factors off each different time, with the league unable to generate a dominant contender.

In the long run, it largely trusted who would stumble over the road first – and it proved to be Paul Le Guen’s Lyon, who regardless of profitable simply 50% of their matches – like Monaco, and Marseille, received the title on account of dropping much less video games. The title was sealed with a 1-1 draw towards a poor Montpellier aspect with one recreation to spare.

AWARDS

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

PAULETA

The fan favorite was named participant of the season for his commanding performances up entrance, although Bordeaux may solely muster a 4th place end in a crowded league.

MANAGER OF THE SEASON

GUY LACOMBE

The wily supervisor was awarded the title after steering Sochaux again into European rivalry – because the Montbeliard membership completed simply 4 factors from the title, regardless of a vastly inferior price range to sides round them.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

LIONEL MATHIS

The then 21-year-old was a shock recipient for the award, as he proved a key part of the Auxerre aspect who in the end completed sixth.

TOP GOALSCORER

SHABANI NONDA

The Congolese ahead nudged forward of Pauleta (26 to 23) to safe the award, although his objectives had been sadly not capable of energy Monaco to a primary title in three years.

TEAM OF THE SEASON

COUPET; RADET, VAN BUYTEN, MEXES, DOS SANTOS; ESSIEN, PEDRETTI, ROTHEN; GIULY; NONDA, PAULETA

MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFER

Andre Luiz

Corinthians to PSG

€11M

KEY MOMENT OF THE SEASON

Lyon 1-0 PSG

Having fallen to defeat to Monaco weeks earlier than this fixture, an important victory towards the capital membership put Lyon on the brink – with rivals Bordeaux, Monaco and Marseille able to pounce. However a slim victory meant they had been only a level from the title, and it was gained towards Montpellier within the subsequent recreation.



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