OL’s 15-year European streak of academy starters ends at Anderlecht | OneFootball

For the first time since 2011, and after 118 consecutive European matches, Lyon started without any academy-trained player in their XI, winning 2-1 at Anderlecht on Wednesday. It came in their Europa League opener.

L'Équipe notes Paulo Fonseca may not have realised the milestone at kick-off after rotating his side.

The selection ends a 15-year sequence in which OL had always begun European ties with at least one academy graduate.

The previous instance dates back to a 0-0 draw with Ajax at Gerland in November 2011 in the Champions League group stage, when Rémi Garde was in charge.

That night Maxime Gonalons missed out with a calf injury, and Alexandre Lacazette featured only late on, replacing Jimmy Briand.

Source: L'Équipe

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