Lyon's football team showcased their dominance on March 13, 2025, with a convincing 4-0 victory over Steaua Bucarest at the Groupama Stadium, securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with an aggregate score of 7-1.
This resounding win followed their impressive 3-1 victory over the same team in Romania during the first leg. The match was characterized by stellar performances, particularly from Georges Mikautadze, who scored twice and assisted on two more goals, and Elijah Nuamah, who also netted two goals.
From the outset, Lyon owned the game, and it was Mikautadze who opened the scoring early, netting the first goal at the 14-minute mark. He skillfully dribbled past the defense with swift footwork before placing the ball with precision past the Steaua goalkeeper. "Mikautadze was enormous this evening, scoring two goals and delivering two assists!" reported OL.
Nuamah then doubled the lead with his first goal of the match at the 37th minute, finishing decisively after being set up by Mikautadze. The crowd at the Groupama Stadium erupted as Lyon went to halftime leading 2-0.
The second half saw no respite for Steaua, as Lyon continued to exert their control over the match. Just minutes after the restart, Mikautadze struck again, this time at the 47-minute mark, firing home another well-coordinated effort.
Nuamah capped off the extravaganza with his second goal of the night at the 88th minute, capping off Lyon's scoring spree. "A comfortable win for OL!" was how the club summarized the evening's events.
With this convincing victory, Lyon not only secured their progression to the next round but also set the stage for their upcoming quarterfinal clash against Manchester United, who advanced by defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 on aggregate. "Now, we must focus on our upcoming match against Manchester United," stated Lyon's coach Paulo Fonseca.
This matchup is highly anticipated, promising to be both thrilling and historic as Lyon looks to push through to the semi-finals. The quarter-finals, scheduled for April 10 and 17, 2025, will see United play at home for the second leg, making this tie even more intriguing.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes was the standout player for his side, scoring three goals against Real Sociedad, bolstering his team's hopes of progressing through the tournament even as they grapple with inconsistent form within the Premier League.
For Lyon, the excitement goes beyond just this victory. The atmosphere at the stadium was charged, with fans already dreaming big. “The young Lyonnais would dream of winning the Europa League!” exclaimed Malick Fofana, reflecting the collective ambition within the squad.
Looking back, Lyon's path to this point has been marked by resilience and skill. Their recent performances have rekindled hopes among supporters and players alike, indicating their potential to make deep runs not only this season but for the future as well.
While the victory over Steaua is fresh, the club's focus will soon shift to their domestic league matches, including one just days away on Sunday. Heading toward the quarter-finals against Manchester United, the team will aim to maintain momentum and quality on both fronts.
With pivotal matches approaching, Lyon's staff and players understand what’s at stake. Fans remain hopeful they can build on their current success and perhaps realize their dreams of European glory.
Lyon’s commanding performance this evening is just one chapter of their thrilling narrative this season, one filled with promise and excitement as they continue to fight on two fronts: the Europa League and Ligue 1.