RC Lens – Olympique Lyonnais: Lens Put an End to Lyon’s Run (2-1)
RC Lens and their captain Florian Thauvin, who provided two assists, handed Olympique Lyonnais their first defeat of the season. Lyon were unable to match the intensity for half the game, and only Mathieu Udol’s late sending-off allowed them to reduce the deficit, without managing to snatch even a draw.
Tactical analysis and match report by André Martins.
RC Lens welcomed Olympique Lyonnais looking to stop the rot after a poor start to the season. One win, one draw and three defeats going into this clash. The 2025/2026 runners-up successfully completed their mission, securing a solid 2-1 home win against a side from whom more could have been expected.
Yannick Cahuzac chose to stick with the 3-4-3 implemented by Pierre Sage and then by Dino Toppmöller before his dismissal. Robin Risser in goal, with Kyllian Antonio, Ismaelo Ganiou and Jonathan Gradit as the centre-backs in the back five, flanked by wing-backs Matthieu Udol and Ruben Aguilar. Yassine Titraoui and Michaël Cuisance in midfield. Florian Sotoca and Florian Thauvin supporting Odsonne Édouard.
Lyon lined up in a 4-3-3, with Dominik Greif in goal. Paulo Fonseca opted for a centre-back pairing of Ruben Kluivert and Felix Bacher due to Moussa Niakhaté’s injury-enforced absence. Full-backs Abner Vinícius and Zachary Athekame completed the back four. Corentin Tolisso, Tyler Morton and Mads Bidstrup in midfield. Loïs Openda, Pavel Šulc and Ernest Nuamah up front.
Lens Targeted Lyon’s Right Side
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