Europa League 2026-27 – Lyon pulled off a breathtaking second-half turnaround to secure a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in a thriller at Groupama Stadium.

The visitors, led by former Lyon boss Pierre Sage, pushed the home side to the limit but ultimately fell short in a match packed with drama, tension, and late-game heroics. With this win, the French side extends their perfect start in the competition after their opening-day triumph at Anderlecht.

Lyon strikes early through Tolisso and Nuamah

Crystal Palace started brightly, enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the opening exchanges, but it was Lyon who struck first. After just eight minutes, Corentin Tolisso volleyed home from close range after Ernest Nuamah forced Walter Benítez into a desperate save. The goal stemmed from a swift counterattack that showcased Lyon’s deadly efficiency in transition.

Just before the break, the home side doubled their lead. Keito Nakamura found space on the left flank, delivered a pinpoint cross, and Nuamah arrived unmarked to fire past Benítez at the near post (45+2’). Lyon marched into halftime with a commanding 2-0 cushion, while Palace struggled to create clear chances.

Second-half surge from Crystal Palace

The Eagles roared out of the blocks in the second period. Yeremy Pino pulled one back for Palace in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to rifle a left-footed shot past Mats Greif. The goal injected urgent energy into the Londoners, who piled on the pressure, testing Greif repeatedly with crosses and set pieces.

Lyon nearly conceded an equalizer on 68 minutes when Abner headed just wide, and moments later, Daichi Kamada blazed over after a quick break. The pressure began to show, but the Gones weathered the storm until the hour mark.

Lyon fights back through Šulc’s trickery

With the tension rising, Lyon restored their two-goal cushion in spectacular fashion. Following a shot from Nakamura that Benítez parried weakly, Pavel Šulc pounced to slot home a subtle backheel finish in the 76th minute. The audacity of the goal restored Lyon’s control, though the relief was short-lived.

Kamada halved the deficit again in the 81st minute, slotting home after a defensive mix-up in the box. With the clock ticking, Greif made a world-class save from a late corner to preserve the win. Lyon held firm, completing a pulsating 3-2 victory and marking a statement evening against a team that had arrived with ambitions of their own.

The result leaves Lyon unbeaten in their Europa League campaign and sets up an intriguing battle for top spot in Group E, with Sage’s former club now second in the standings.