Olympique Lyonnais open Europa League with Anderlecht win

Olympique Lyonnais have begun their third successive Europa League campaign with an important away victory, giving Paulo Fonseca’s side a positive start after their Champions League qualifying exit to Fenerbahce. Lyon also maintained its usual preparation routine, completing its final training session at Decines rather than holding a collective workout at Anderlecht’s stadium.

The visitors took control early. Noah Nartey put Lyon ahead in the eighth minute after work from Kail Boudache, before Keito Nakamura doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a shot that took a deflection off former Strasbourg player Anselm Omobamidele. The goal was Nakamura’s first for the club since his arrival late in the transfer window.

Anderlecht responded strongly after the break. Lois Openda hit the post in the 52nd minute, during an action that also saw Tyler Morton have a goal disallowed. Mihajlo Cvetkovic then reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute after Clinton Mata lost possession. Lyon faced sustained pressure during the final half-hour, while Mata also risked further trouble with an angry gesture inside the area, but the video review did not lead to a penalty. The 2-1 result gives Lyon three points at the start of their European campaign and confirms their ability to protect a narrow lead under pressure.