Ligue Europa 2026-27 — An Olympique Lyonnais side haunted by Crystal Palace after leading 2-0 rallied to take all three points (3-2) at Groupama Stadium, delivering a statement win under Pierre Sage.
Groupama Stadium hosts European drama as Lyon faces former coach Sage’s Crystal Palace
Olympique Lyonnais entered the Groupama Stadium clash with Crystal Palace fresh off a hard-fought victory at Anderlecht in their Europa League opener. The match carried extra weight: Palace was riding high after claiming the Conference League title, while Lyon prepared to face their former boss, Pierre Sage, now guiding the Londoners.
Tolisso and Nuamah strike before halftime to stun Palace
The Eagles started brightly, monopolizing possession and testing Anthony Lopes early on. But it was the home side who struck first through Corentin Tolisso. Ernest Nuamah fired in from the left, forcing Dean Canvot into an accidental handball. Tolisso stepped up to convert the spot kick (1-0, 8’).
Lyon doubled the lead minutes before the break when Keito Nakamura threaded a pinpoint cross to Nuamah, who finished emphatically at the first post (2-0, 45’+2). Palace failed to register a single meaningful shot in the first half as the French side closed the opening period with a commanding lead.
Pino reignites hope, Šulc restores control, and Greif stands tall in finale
Crystal Palace stormed out of the dressing rooms and pulled one back through Yeremy Pino after a well-worked corner routine (2-1, 50’). The Eagles piled on the pressure, with Ismaïla Sarr and Eberechi Eze producing sharp attacks that kept Lopes busy.
Lyon nearly cracked under the weight but survived thanks to a moment of brilliance: Pavel Šulc, lurking on the edge of the box, stunned Vicente Greif with a disguised backheel finish (3-1, 76’). However, any sense of relief was fleeting. Daichi Kamada capitalized on a defensive scramble to reduce the deficit (3-2, 81’).
In the dying seconds, Palace pushed for an equalizer. Greif denied Eze with a sharp save, preserving Lyon’s second consecutive Europa League victory and sending the Groupama Stadium into rapturous celebration.
Lyon’s mental resilience shines in Pierre Sage reunion
The match was far from comfortable, but the French side showed the character expected of a team targeting deep European runs. Captain Alexandre Lacazette marshaled the defense during Palace’s frenzied spells, while young sensation Nuamah continued to showcase his growing influence. With two wins from two, Lyon sit top of their Europa League group after a dramatic start to the 2026-27 campaign.
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