Furious Lyon supporters attempted to force their way onto the pitch after being dismantled and humiliated by West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final at the Groupama Stadium.
As the full-time whistle sparked wild scenes of everyone to do with the Hammers, the Lyon fans’ anger almost boiled over as they tried to force their way onto the field. Barriers were smashed, riot police were called, but it was all just background noise on what will go down as one of the Hammers’ most famous nights.
Goals from Craig Dawson, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen ensured the Hammers will compete in their first European semi final since 1976 later this month. And David Moyes had a team full of heroes who will now fancy their chances of going all the way.
Three goals in ten minutes either side of half time - from Dawson, Rice and Bowen - destroyed Lyon. There was vindication and joy too for boss David Moyes, who will coach in his first semi final having only got to the last eight as Manchester United chief. Imperious Rice was the leader, dictating the game, not giving an inch, and wading in with a key goal.
So after dominating Dinamo Zagreb, Genk and Rapid Vienna to win Group H and taking the big scalp of Sevilla in the round of 16 the adventure continues. It could end in the final in Seville. Next up, a semi final against Frankfurt, surprise winners at the Nou Camp, and also their opponents 46 years ago. West Ham cut loose after a sensible, controlled first 38 minutes.
Defender Dawson powered home a near post header, after an unstoppable committed attack on Pablo Fornals' corner. No Lyon defender could touch his sprint and leap as he steam-rollered through Moussa Dembele, his marker, to force home his fourth of the season.
If that stunned Lyon in the 38th minute, there was worse to come a minute before half time when the magnificent Declan Rice struck. The England midfielder Rice was immense, covering ground, bullying Lyon midfielders and not giving an inch in his personal battles.
He cashed in with a 44th minute goal when England U21 full back Ben Johnson crossed from the left. A weak defensive header teed up Rice who pinged at goal from 25 yards out, beating Julian Pollersbeck with a slight deflection. Rice makes this Hammers’ side tick, with his forceful controlled midfield dominance. Fittingly he ran 60 yards to celebrate with the East London fans who were up in the third tier.
Perhaps most importantly for the Hammers, the talismanic midfielder avoided the yellow card which would have ruled him out of the first leg of the semi final. And while his 89th minute substitution was greeted by a deserved standing ovation from the away fans, the home support greeted him by pelting drinks and bottles towards him - something which is becoming a regular occurrence during his fledgling club and international career.
West Ham had to contend with an electric atmosphere in the Groupama Stadium, with pre match fireworks, lightshow sing-along and noise. By half time the French were booing their own side off, such was the dominance of the visitors. And after Bowen made it three shortly after the break and any semblance of hope regarding a comeback was evaporated, that pre-match optimism turned to burning frustration.
