Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace: Eagles suffer first Europa League away defeat
Crystal Palace suffered the first away defeat of their Europa League history after Lyon held on for a 3-2 win at Groupama Stadium, despite a late Eagles surge.
Lyon take control before Palace response
Corentin Tolisso and Ernest Nuamah struck early to put Lyon in command, with Palace unable to match the hosts’ intensity during the opening half.
- Yeremy Pino reduced the deficit soon after the interval.
- Pavel Sulc then restored Lyon’s two-goal advantage with an inventive backheel finish.
- Daichi Kamada scored late to make it 3-2 and create a nervous closing spell.
- Palace, backed by 3,000 travelling supporters, could not force the equaliser.
Sage admits Palace were below standard
Palace manager Pierre Sage endured a losing return to his former club and said the narrow final margin did not reflect Lyon’s superiority for much of the contest.
“The scoreline was close, but there was a major difference in how the teams played,” Sage said. “We were far below our normal level in the first half. We were much better after the break and gave ourselves a chance, but the third goal made the task very difficult.”
Sage added that there was no consolation in returning to familiar surroundings without a result.
“It is a very disappointing return because we lost. Seeing people I know and coming back here means nothing when you do not get the result.”
Disasi points to second-half attitude
Axel Disasi said Palace’s early display left them with too much to do, but urged the squad to take confidence from their stronger second-half performance.
- Palace pressed Lyon higher after half-time.
- The visitors recovered possession in dangerous areas and created further chances.
- Disasi said the side showed greater “intent and personality” after the interval.
“We did not begin the game well, but I think we reacted well in the second half,” Disasi said. “We pressed high, won the ball in good areas and made chances. We got it back to 3-2 and had opportunities near the end, so it is frustrating not to take anything.”
What happens next for Palace
Palace have collected three points from their opening two Europa League matches and must now switch quickly to Premier League duty.
- Sunday: Palace travel to rivals Brighton in the Premier League.
- Next Thursday: Sage’s side return to Europa League action away to Besiktas.
