Metz v Lyon: Champions League push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Metz host Lyon in Ligue 1 at Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday, 25 January 2026, with the visitors chasing Champions League qualification and the hosts battling to climb out of the relegation places.

Metz are bottom on 12 points, while Lyon sit fourth with 33 in the Champions League qualification spots. The reverse fixture in August finished 3-0 to Lyon.

Form points to momentum versus struggle. Les Gones have won five on the bounce in all competitions, including league wins over Monaco and Brest. Metz have taken one point from their last three league matches.

In selection terms, Metz list Pape Sy and Joseph Mangondo as injured. Les Gones are without Nicolás Tagliafico, Abner, Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana.

On the pitch, Les Gones' season profile suggests control and resilience: 56% average possession, nine clean sheets and only 18 goals conceded. Pavel Sulc leads their scoring with nine league goals, and Afonso Moreira has supplied five assists. Metz have conceded 40 at 2.2 per game, so keeping things tight will be key, with Gauthier Hein their main threat on six league goals and four assists.

A home win would move Metz to 15 points and could cut the gap to safety in the relegation battle. Victory would take Les Gones to 36 points and strengthen their hold on the Champions League qualification places.