Portuguese youngster Afonso Moreira opens Lyon account: “I’m full of happiness” | OneFootball

There was a special moment for Portugal U20 international Afonso Moreira on Thursday night, with the forward scoring his first goal in top-flight football for French outfit Lyon.

The 20-year-old, who joined Lyon from Sporting in the summer, came off the bench to grab the clinching goal as Paulo Fonseca’s side beat Basel of Switzerland 2-0 in the Europa League. Moreira struck in the final minute of the match, around ten minutes after he was introduced, with a superbly-taken finish.

“I scored my first goal… it was disallowed, so I was disappointed,” Moreira reflected after the match. “Then, in a split second, I scored the next one! I’m very happy. I have this ability to finish off moves. That first goal came early in the match, it gave us confidence.

“We had to win tonight after two defeats. Now we’re focused on the match against Strasbourg. I’m very happy, every day that passes. I’m full of energy and happiness. I’m very happy here in Lyon.”

The deal could prove somewhat of a bargain for Lyon, who paid just €2m to Sporting, while the Lions retain 20% of any future fee. Moreira was heavily involved in pre-season for Lyon, starting three matches, but has been used solely as a substitute in competitive games so far, featuring eight times in all competitions.

Lyon are well-placed in the Europa League table, sitting in 3rd having won all three of their matches, while domestically Fonseca’s men are 5th in Ligue 1, three points of early leaders Marseille.