October 15 2026

Lyon 3-2 Palace

Crystal Palace suffered a 3-2 defeat in their first Europa League away fixture despite a spirited second-half comeback against Lyon.

The French side made a flying start, with Corentin Tolisso pouncing on a loose ball following a corner to open the scoring after eight minutes.

Ernest Nuamah doubled Lyon's advantage in first-half stoppage time, converting a low cross from Keito Nakamura.

Palace emerged with renewed purpose after the interval and pulled a goal back when Yeremy Pino fired into the roof of the net following a clever short-corner routine involving Adam Wharton.

The visitors then threatened an equaliser, with Jorgen Strand Larsen heading over and substitute Daichi Kamada forcing goalkeeper Dominik Greif into a fine save.

However, Lyon struck against the run of play when Pavel Sulc produced an audacious backheel to restore their two-goal advantage.

Kamada gave Palace fresh hope by finishing from close range after Anan Khalaili's attacking run sparked a scramble in the Lyon penalty area.

The Eagles almost rescued a point in the closing stages, but Greif produced another excellent save to deny Chris Richards' header.

It was a frustrating return to Lyon for Palace manager Pierre Sage, whose side were left to rue their sluggish first-half display.

Lyon: Greif, Vinicius, Kluivert, Bacher, Athekame, Morton, Nartey (Tessman 78), Tolisso (Bidstrup 90+1), Merah (Sulc 70), Nuamah (Boudache 70), Nakamura.

Not used: Bengul, Descamps, Mata, Kamara, Kango, Niakhate, Duranville, Nakamura.

Palace: Benitez, Disasi, Richards, Canvot, Mingueza (Khalaili 75), Timber (McNeil 86), Wharton, Mitchell, Pino (Osorio 75), Sarr (Kamada 63), Strand Larsen (Nketiah 63).

Not used: Matthews, Benetton, Ahanor, Benamar, Hughes.