Lyon holds off Anderlecht and launches Europa League campaign with 2-1 victory

Olympique Lyonnais secured their first Europa League victory of the season with a 2-1 win away at Anderlecht on Thursday evening in Belgium, courtesy of goals from Noah Nartey and new signing Keito Nakamura.

Lyon quickly took control of the match. Nartey opened the scoring in the 8th minute after good work from Kail Boudache. Nakamura, who arrived late in the transfer window, doubled the lead in the 22nd with a shot deflected by former Strasbourg player Omobamidele, marking his first goal in his new colours.

The second half proved far more difficult for Paulo Fonseca’s side. Anderlecht created multiple chances: Loïs Openda hit the post, then a goal from Tyler Morton was ruled out in the same sequence (52nd). Mihajlo Cvetkovic finally pulled one back in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a Clinton Mata loss of possession to give the Mauves hope.

The final half-hour tested Lyon’s nerves. Mata himself nearly made matters worse with a moment of frustration in his own box, with VAR saving the Gones from the worst. Goalkeeper Rémy Descamps held firm under Belgian pressure, allowing Lyon to preserve their advantage until the final whistle.

This success carries particular weight for a club that had targeted the Champions League before being eliminated in the qualifying rounds by Fenerbahçe. Lyon thus confirms their European ambitions and approaches the rest of the competition with confidence.