Real Madrid vs. Olympique Lyon: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

In one of the more exciting friendlies of the summer, Real Madrid had a great comeback effort to force a 2-2 draw against Olympique Lyon.

At this time of year, most of the top clubs around the world match up against weaker opponents to help get into shape for the start of the season. However, Lyon and Madrid represent two of the better clubs in Europe and could possibly face each other in the Champions League.

As a result, fans were treated to as much talent as you can expect to see from a July match.

This ability was on display early on as there were a number of close opportunities from each side in the early minutes. But, the most impressive play of the match took place at the 20-minute mark.

Miguel Lopes provided a long cross from the right side into the middle of the box, and Clement Grenier volleyed it into the top-left corner of the net. The amazing thing is that he was facing the other way when hitting the ball in and seemingly scored it blind.

The excitement from the goal was well represented by 101GreatGoals.com:

Martin Laurence of WhoScored.com was even more encouraged by the potential of the young player:

This score gave Olympique Lyon a 1-0 lead, which the French squad held onto for the remainder of the first half despite a number of good looks from both sides. However, struggles in the final third prevented any other goals from going into the net.

However, the second half is where the real action took place. Lisandro Lopez scored the second goal for Lyon in the 62nd minute after a cross left the ball right at his feet in front of the net.

With just over 10 minutes remaining on the clock, it appeared as though this would end up being an easy victory for the French team. Unfortunately, a few mistakes allowed their opponents back in the contest.

Denis Cheryshev drew a foul in the box to give Real Madrid a penalty shot at the 79th minute. Alvaro Morata successfully scored from the spot to cut the lead to 2-1.

A short time later, Casemiro successfully headed in a pass from Ángel di María to earn the equalizer in the 85th minute.

The match ended a short time later in a 2-2 draw. Both clubs have a lot to be happy about in this match, although there were also plenty of mistakes that need to be fixed before the season starts.

Considering how much talent is on either side, fans should expect more great performances going forward.

Grades

Clement Grenier, Olympique Lyon: A

It took only one play for Grenier to make himself known in this match. He had an outstanding redirection of the ball and put it in a place where the opposing keeper did not have a chance at stopping it.

Although the new season is just starting, this one will be hard to top for the rest of the year.

The 22-year-old midfielder was the subject of transfer rumours this season, but he ended those by signing a two-year extension with Lyon. If he lives up to his ability, this club could have a really special talent on its hands.

Lisandro Lopez, Olympique Lyon: B+

It took the forward a long time to get going in this one as he had very little impact in the first half. However, Lisandro Lopez came through in a big way in the second half.

The veteran received a pass from Alexandre Lacazette deep into the Real Madrid zone and made sure he finished with a right-footed shot.

Lopez had a down year last season with only 11 goals in league play, but he is showing that he still has the ability to get the ball in the back of the net when given the chance.

Alexandre Lacazette, Olympique Lyon: A

Few players on either side showcased the aggressiveness that Lacazette displayed throughout his time on the pitch. He was making great passes as well as taking shots when there was an opening.

He was responsible for the assist in the second half and could have contributed to more goals against a weaker opponent. Along with Grenier, the two young players are providing a great look at the future so far.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid: C+

Although there is no reason to be concerned about one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo simply did not have a good performance in this one.

There were few touches for the talented player and he did not do a good job of involving himself in the match. As a result, his side was left with few opportunities on the offensive end.

Hopefully for Madrid, this is just an issue of it being early in the season.

Sami Khedira, Real Madrid: B

Grabbing a yellow card in a friendly is rarely ideal, but Sami Khedira showcased a lot of effort after coming in after halftime.

He was strong on the offensive end, providing good chances for teammates and almost scoring a goal that went off the bar. There are a lot of players looking for playing time in the midfield for this club, and Khedira is making a push for more starts in the future.

Casemiro, Real Madrid: A-

After Alvaro Morata cut the 2-0 deficit in half, Real Madrid got some new energy to come back in the match. Casemiro took care of the rest by scoring the equalizer on a header in the 84th minute.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has great instincts around the net, and he proved his knack for scoring as he hopes to earn some playing time on the first team this year.

What's Next?

Real Madrid continues its preseason against another top French squad as it faces Paris Saint-Germain in Goteborg, Sweden. The friendly will take place on Saturday as the La Liga runner-ups look to face another tough test.

Lyon has a much more important match in the third round of Champions League qualifying against Grasshopper Zurich on July 30.

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