Olympique Lyon’s remarkable run in Ligue 1 continued on February 7, 2026, as they edged out FC Nantes 1-0 at Stade de la Beaujoire, clinching their sixth consecutive league victory and climbing to third in the standings. The contest was a tense affair, marked by a first-half goal from Pavel Sulc and a dramatic red card for Real Madrid loanee Endrick, which left Lyon playing the final half hour with just 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors managed to hold firm and secure all three points, deepening Nantes’ woes near the foot of the table.
Heading into the match, Lyon were riding high after a 1-0 home win over Lille OSC on February 1, a result that showcased their growing defensive solidity and clinical edge in attack. Lille may have outshot Lyon 11 to five in that encounter, but it was the hosts who walked away with the spoils, a testament to their resilience and efficiency under pressure. The momentum from that victory carried over into the clash with Nantes, where Lyon’s form and confidence were on full display.
For FC Nantes, the stakes were equally high but for very different reasons. The Canaries had managed just three points from their previous eight games, a dismal run that saw them slide into the relegation playoff spot. With only 19 goals scored in 20 matches and a worrying tally of 36 conceded, Nantes’ struggles at both ends of the pitch have been glaring. Their -17 goal differential ranked them 17th in Ligue 1, underscoring the urgent need for a turnaround.
The match itself kicked off at 3:05 PM ET, with Lyon looking to extend their winning streak and Nantes desperate for a lifeline. Early proceedings saw Lyon assert themselves, and it wasn’t long before Pavel Sulc made his mark. The ever-reliable midfielder found the net in the first half, giving Lyon a crucial lead and silencing the home crowd. Sulc’s goal was a product of Lyon’s patient build-up and incisive play, characteristics that have defined their recent resurgence.
“Sulc is a player who always seems to step up when it matters most,” noted one commentator during the broadcast. His knack for finding space and delivering under pressure has made him a central figure in Lyon’s push for a Champions League berth.
But the drama was far from over. Around the hour mark, Endrick, the much-hyped Real Madrid loanee leading the line for Lyon, saw red after swinging his leg at Nantes defender Dehmaine Tabibou. The sending off left Lyon with 10 men for the final 30 minutes—a tense period that tested their defensive organization and resolve. Nantes, sensing an opportunity, pressed forward in search of an equalizer, but Lyon’s back line, marshaled by a disciplined midfield, refused to buckle.
Adam Karabec, another player under the spotlight, entered the match with odds of +230 to score, reflecting both his potential threat and the tight defensive nature of the contest. Karabec has notched one goal for Lyon in the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season, with no assists to his name. His expected goals tally stood at 0.1, closely mirroring his actual output, and he had averaged 0.3 shots per match, with six attempts (four on target) up to this point in the campaign. While Karabec didn’t find the back of the net against Nantes, his movement and willingness to shoot kept the opposition on their toes.
Lyon’s attacking numbers have been impressive all season. With 33 goals scored—an average of 1.7 per game—they ranked fifth in Ligue 1 for offensive output. Defensively, they’ve been just as formidable, conceding only 20 goals in 20 matches, the third-best record in the division. Their +13 goal difference is good for fourth in the league, a clear indicator of their balanced approach and ability to manage games effectively.
In contrast, Nantes have struggled to keep the ball out of their net, conceding 36 times at a rate of 1.8 per match. Their inability to convert chances and their porous defense have left them in a precarious position, fighting to avoid the drop as the season enters its critical phase.
The match at Stade de la Beaujoire was emblematic of the two teams’ contrasting fortunes. Lyon, full of confidence and tactical discipline, executed their game plan to perfection, even when reduced to 10 men. Nantes, meanwhile, battled gamely but were ultimately unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage, a familiar story in a campaign marked by missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, the title race took another twist as Lens reclaimed top spot from Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-1 victory over Rennes, their 10th consecutive home win. The achievement equaled a club record and extended their remarkable run of 10 wins in their last 11 league games. Despite playing the final 35 minutes with 10 men, Lens held firm and even managed to add a third goal, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders.
Lens coach Pierre Sage, however, was quick to downplay talk of a title challenge, stating, “We’re completely distancing ourselves from that. We had a points target in mind and once we’ve reached that we can start drawing up other ambitions.” For now, the focus remains on securing European football, but with PSG hosting Marseille next, the race at the summit is heating up.
Back in Nantes, the final whistle brought relief and celebration for Lyon, who leapfrogged Marseille into third place in the standings. For Nantes, the defeat was another blow in a season that has offered little respite. With just three points from their last eight games, the threat of relegation looms large unless they can find a way to reverse their fortunes.
Looking ahead, Lyon’s form makes them one of the teams to watch as the Ligue 1 campaign enters its decisive months. Their blend of youth and experience, tactical acumen, and ability to grind out results—even in adversity—has put them in a strong position to challenge for a Champions League spot. For Nantes, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and only a dramatic turnaround will suffice if they are to avoid the drop.
As the dust settles on another dramatic weekend in Ligue 1, one thing is clear: Lyon’s star is on the rise, while Nantes must regroup quickly to keep their top-flight hopes alive. The season’s narrative is far from settled, and with so much still to play for, fans can expect more twists and turns in the weeks to come.