Lyon’s 2-1 win puts them fourth after fast start in Brussels

Lyon take early control in Brussels

Lyon beat Anderlecht 2-1 at Lotto Park in the UEFA Europa League League Stage on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The visitors led 2-0 at half-time before Anderlecht reduced the deficit after the break, but Lyon held on to claim the win.

Lyon made the quicker start and opened the scoring in the eighth minute. N. Nartey found the net with a normal goal to give the visitors an early advantage. Anderlecht did not respond before Lyon doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, when K. Nakamura scored from an assist by M. Ouedraogo.

The first half also brought two disciplinary incidents for Lyon. M. Niakhate was booked in the 26th minute, while Ouedraogo received a yellow card in the 44th minute. Those cautions came during a half in which Lyon established the clearest advantage on the scoreboard and went into the interval two goals ahead.

Anderlecht respond, but Lyon protect lead

Both teams made changes at half-time. Lyon replaced Niakhate with F. Bacher and Ouedraogo with N. Tagliafico, while Anderlecht introduced M. Kana for R. Amane. The home side then cut the deficit in the 61st minute. M. Cvetkovic scored for Anderlecht, with A. Maamar providing the assist.

That goal changed the scoreline from a comfortable Lyon lead to a one-goal game. Lyon made three further substitutions as the match progressed: P. Sulc replaced L. Openda in the 65th minute, then M. Bidstrup came on for Nartey and C. Tolisso replaced T. Morton in the 74th minute. The final score remained 2-1 to Lyon.

Lyon start fourth, Anderlecht 31st

The result leaves Lyon fourth in the League Round table with three points from one game, a record of one win, no draws and no losses, and a goal difference of plus one. Anderlecht are 31st with no points from one game, one defeat and a goal difference of minus one.

Nartey and Nakamura supplied the decisive finishing for Lyon, while Ouedraogo contributed the assist for the second goal before being withdrawn at the interval. Cvetkovic gave Anderlecht a route back into the match, assisted by Maamar, but the home side could not find an equaliser. Anderlecht had entered the fixture with a listed sequence of one draw, five wins and one loss, while Lyon’s listed pre-match form was a win. Lyon therefore extended their positive start with three points from their opening league-stage game.