On March 13, 2025, Olympique Lyonnais asserted their dominance over FCSB with a decisive 4-0 victory at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, effectively securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League with an aggregate score of 7-1. This triumph follows their earlier success, having won the first leg 3-1, showcasing Lyon's impressive form.
The match began with Lyon showing their attacking prowess immediately. Ernest Nuamah opened the scoring early, netting the first goal just seven minutes in, setting the stage for what would be a commanding performance. Georges Mikautadze, the star of the night, doubled Lyon's lead with his first goal of the match at the 14-minute mark, assisted again by Ryann Cherki. Mikautadze’s performance was pivotal, contributing not just with goals but also with assists throughout the match.
Pushing forward, Lyon maintained control and intensity throughout the first half, creating several clear-cut chances. Nuamah came close to scoring again, hitting the post before finally securing his second goal of the match just before halftime, making it 3-0 by the 37th minute. The visitors, struggling to cope with Lyon's high press and quick transitions, could only react defensively.
Despite significant rotations made by FCSB head coach Elias Harlambus to counteract Lyon's offensive strategies, including major changes to their starting lineup, the Romanian side could not find their footing. Lyon’s ability to maintain possession and dictate the pace kept FCSB on the back foot.
After the break, Lyon continued their relentless pursuit of goals, with Mikautadze adding his second of the evening just two minutes after halftime, pushing the score to 4-0 and effectively ending FCSB's hopes of making any comeback. Nuamah assisted on this goal, illustrating Lyon's cohesive team play.
The match highlighted Lyon’s tactical superiority under manager Paulo Fonseca, who has been instrumental in guiding the team with clear strategies and effective rotations. Fonseca’s decision to substitute key players later in the match preserved their energy for upcoming domestic challenges, demonstrating his foresight and respect for squad depth.
On the sidelines, the tension was palpable as both sides faced the stakes of the knockout round. FCSB, having performed commendably through their league season—finishing first with 56 points and recently overcoming PAOK to reach this stage—found the knockout format particularly challenging against the well-organized French team. Harlambus’ squad managed four wins and two draws during their domestic campaign, signaling their potential, which they struggled to realize against Lyon's top-tier squad.
Moving forward, Lyon will advance to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Manchester United, promising to be another thrilling clash. The first leg of this upcoming tie will take place on April 10, 2025, with the return leg scheduled for April 17, 2025. Given Lyon’s current form, their chances against the seasoned Manchester squad appear promising.
The match not only showcased individual brilliance but also the strength of team dynamics, with Mikautadze's performance being complemented by stellar contributions from Cherki and Nuamah, who collectively worked to dismantle FCSB's defensive efforts.
Overall, the 4-0 win stands as emphatic evidence of Lyon’s preparation and execution, allowing them to continue their strong campaign both domestically and internationally. Fans can look forward to seeing whether this momentum carries through as they advance to even tougher opponents, eager to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.