Lyon cruised to victory against FCSB Bucharest, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League with an emphatic 4-0 win on March 13, 2025, at the Groupama Stadium. The aggregate score for the two-legged tie was 7-1, showcasing the dominance of the French club throughout the competition.
The match started promisingly for Lyon when Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze opened the scoring just 14 minutes in, expertly assisted by Rayan Cherki, who delivered two key passes during the match. Mikautadze showcased his pace and skill by outrunning three defenders before slotting the ball past the Romanian goalkeeper.
After establishing control early on, Lyon doubled their lead before halftime courtesy of Ernest Nuamah who found the back of the net at the 37th minute, making it 2-0. This pattern of consistent pressure from Lyon frustrated the FCSB side, who struggled to mount any significant challenge.
After the break, the Gones continued their offensive performance. Mikautadze struck again just two minutes after the restart, netting his second goal of the evening with another precise finish at the 46th minute. Nyamah rounded off the scoreline with his second goal at the 88th minute after receiving another assist from Mikautadze, solidifying the team's performance.
Over the course of the match, Lyon not only dominated possession but showcased their attacking prowess with quick counter-attacks and fluid ball movement. Lyon’s head coach, Paulo Fonseca, praised his team's collective effort, stating, "We congratulate the club, the supporters, and ourselves. Everyone was invested. We attack and defend together." This win marked Lyon’s sixth victory out of their last seven matches across all competitions, with only one loss against league leaders Paris Saint-Germain keeping them from perfect form.
Looking forward, Lyon will face Manchester United in the quarter-finals, following United’s progression against Real Sociedad. On March 13, Manchester United emerged victorious 4-1, thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ impressive hat-trick, taking the aggregate score to 5-2. The first leg of this quarter-final tie will take place at the Groupama Stadium on April 10, 2025, with the return leg held at Old Trafford the following week.
Lyon's previous encounter with Manchester United dates back to 2008 during the Champions League knockout stages, where the English side triumphed over the French team. Lyon hopes for a different outcome this time around, armed with the momentum from their recent performances. Fans are already buzzing about the rematch, thrilled for the potential high drama these two historic clubs might provide.
The attendance for the game against FCSB was recorded at 37,322 spectators, who witnessed the home side's stunning display. This win not only set the stage for their upcoming challenge against Manchester United but also reaffirmed Lyon’s status as serious contenders for the Europa League title. With each game drawing them nearer to European glory, they continue to bask in the confidence stemming from their solid run this season.
Meanwhile, the Europa League final is scheduled for May 21, 2025, expected to take place at San Mames Stadium, home to Athletic Bilbao, who is also advancing through the tournament.