Lyon win 2-1 away at Anderlecht in the Europa League

The UEFA Europa League league phase continued on 16 September 2026 as Lyon travelled to Lotto Park in Brussels to face Anderlecht. Both clubs entered the match looking to add three points to their European campaigns, with the Belgian side hoping to capitalise on home advantage and the French side aiming to maintain momentum on the continent.

How it unfolded

The contest opened brightly for Lyon when, just eight minutes in, Noah Nartey struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box that curled into the bottom left corner, putting the visitors ahead. The early lead set the tone, and Lyon doubled their advantage twelve minutes later. Keito Nakamura, receiving a precise pass from Mohamed Ouédraogo, unleashed a right-footed effort from the left side of the box that found the top left corner, making it 2-0.

The match’s rhythm shifted at the 26th minute when Lyon’s Moussa Niakhaté was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, a reminder that the contest was still fiercely contested. Just before the interval, Mohamed Ouédraogo himself received a booking for a bad foul in the 44th minute, reducing Lyon’s disciplinary margin but leaving their attacking threat intact.

Anderlecht responded after the break. In the 61st minute, Mihajlo Cvetkovic headed home from a central position after a well-timed cross from Ali Maamar, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The goal revived the home side’s hopes, but Lyon held on for the remainder of the 90 minutes to secure the win.

Standout performers

  • Noah Nartey (Lyon) – opened the scoring with a decisive finish in the 8th minute.
  • Keito Nakamura (Lyon) – added a second goal, benefiting from an assist by Mohamed Ouédraogo.
  • Mohamed Ouédraogo (Lyon) – provided the key pass for the 22nd-minute goal and was booked later in the half.
  • Mihajlo Cvetkovic (Anderlecht) – pulled one back with a header in the 61st minute.
  • Ali Maamar (Anderlecht) – delivered the cross that set up Cvetkovic’s goal.

Match facts

  • Final score: Anderlecht 1-2 Lyon
  • Scorers:
    • Noah Nartey (Lyon) – 8'
    • Keito Nakamura (Lyon) – 22' (assist: Mohamed Ouédraogo)
    • Mihajlo Cvetkovic (Anderlecht) – 61' (assist: Ali Maamar)
  • Bookings:
    • Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon) – 26' (bad foul)
    • Mohamed Ouédraogo (Lyon) – 44' (bad foul)
  • Venue: Lotto Park, Brussels

What it means

The victory awards Lyon three points in the UEFA Europa League league phase, strengthening their position in the group and keeping their European ambitions alive. Anderlecht return to the competition with a single point, needing to regroup in their upcoming fixtures to stay competitive.