Under Paulo Fonseca, Lyon keep faltering on big occasions | OneFootball

Lyon’s 1-2 home loss to Fenerbahçe in the Champions League play-off second leg extended a run of setbacks under Paulo Fonseca. L'Équipe notes that big occasions have slipped away since his 2025 arrival.

On 17 April 2025, the Europa League quarter-final with Manchester United flipped. After a 2-2 first leg levelled by Rayan Cherki at 90+5, Lyon led 4-2 by 110. With Corentin Tolisso sent off on 89, they finished with 10 and conceded three in extra time to lose 5-4.

On 5 March 2026, Lyon trailed Lens 0-2 at half-time in the Coupe de France quarter-final. Rémi Himbert came on at 59, scored on 67 and set up 90+4, yet Lens advanced 5-4 on penalties.

Back in Europe on 19 March 2026, a 1-1 draw in Vigo had set up the return, but Moussa Niakhaté’s red on 19 minutes tilted it. Celta struck on 61 and 90+2 to win 2-0.

Four straight wins and returning players had lifted Lyon to third before Toulouse away on 10 May 2026. Fonseca said he felt it was their best moment, that tactically and mentally they were very good after two strong weeks. A 2-1 defeat knocked them off the podium and they did not recover.

On the final day, Lille’s 0-2 home loss to Auxerre opened the door, but Lyon collapsed 0-4 to a Lens side resting players for the Cup final. Three down by half-time, their Champions League chance vanished. A cautious plan and defensive frailty were punished.

Source: L'Équipe

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