Lyon loss to Fenerbahçe deepens French clubs’ poor Champions League play-off record | OneFootball

Lyon’s Champions League play-off defeat to Fenerbahçe has further darkened the picture for French clubs, with six eliminations in 12 attempts since the stage was introduced in 2009. The tie ended 1-2 on the night and 2-3 on aggregate.

After a 1-1 draw in Istanbul in the first leg, Lyon fell at home on Wednesday. L'Équipe notes that the exit could leave psychological scars, and that the transfer window may turn towards departures as the club need to sell.

Early on, France fared well. In 2009-10 Lyon swept past Anderlecht home and away for 8-2 on aggregate. Auxerre overturned Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2010, losing 0-1 in Russia then winning 2-0 at Abbé-Deschamps for 2-1 overall. Lyon eased past Rubin Kazan in 2011, 3-1 at home then 1-1 away, and Lille edged Copenhagen after extra time in 2012, 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.

Since 2013 the return has been bleak, two successes in eight French attempts. Lyon lost to Real Sociedad 0-2 and 0-2, Lille fell to Porto 0-1 and 0-2, Monaco went out to Valencia 1-3 and 2-1. Nice were beaten by Napoli 0-2 and 0-2 in 2017, Monaco fell to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2021, 0-1 then 2-2, and now Lyon have gone down to Fenerbahçe.

Only Monaco in 2016 and Lille in 2024 have progressed, Monaco beating Villarreal 2-1 in Spain then 1-0 at Louis II before reaching that season’s semi-finals, Lille ousting Slavia Prague 2-0 and 1-2. After play-off exits, Ligue 1 finishes read: Lyon fifth in 2013-14, Lille eighth in 2014-15, Monaco third in 2015-16, Nice eighth in 2017-18, Monaco third in 2021-22.

Source: L'Équipe

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