Midfielder Mads Bidstrup delivered a statistically outstanding performance for Olympique Lyonnais in their Ligue 1 victory over AJ Auxerre. The 25-year-old Dane, started by manager Paulo Fonseca, set three match records before his substitution at the Groupama Stadium.
Data published by the X account Data OL on September 4 highlighted his immense work rate. At the time of his substitution in the 76th minute, Bidstrup had covered 10.1 kilometers, the highest distance in the match at that point. He also made 80 high-intensity runs and won 8 duels, figures that also topped the match charts when he left the pitch. The account stated: "Mads Bidstrup a couru 10.1 km, record du match à sa sortie. 80 courses à haute intensité, record également du match à sa sortie." It added: "8 duels remportés, même constat." These numbers show the immediate impact of the player signed this summer from Red Bull Salzburg.
This display of athletic power comes as OL seeks its footing early in the season. The club currently sits 18th in the league with 0 points after three consecutive defeats. The team has scored 4 goals but conceded 11, resulting in a -7 goal difference. They are already 9 points behind leaders AS Monaco. This win against Auxerre was therefore a necessary relief before a busy period.
Olympique Lyonnais now faces two important matches. In the league, they host OGC Nice, who are 15th in the table, on September 12. Then, the team travels to Belgium to face RSC Anderlecht in the Europa League. These games will be key to turning their form around.
To handle this sequence, Paulo Fonseca will have to manage without several key players. Lyon's injury list includes Assane Dioussé, Axel Tuanzebe, Fredrik Oppegård, Marvin Senaya, and Sekou Fofana. The status of these players can be followed in our injuries section. The absence of these established figures makes the contribution of new signings like Bidstrup even more vital to maintain competitiveness on multiple fronts.
Mads Bidstrup's record-setting performance against Auxerre provides a glimmer of optimism in a challenging start to the season. OL's next Ligue 1 match is at home against Nice on September 12, 2026.
