Recap: Lyon dominant in first win under Fonseca against Reims (4-0)

Olympique Lyonnais dominated Stade de Reims at home to get back to winning ways following a seven-game drought. In manager Paulo Fonseca's first home game at the Groupama Stadium, Les Gones won by four clear goals to go within two points of Lille in the table and the race for European football.

Lyon started the match on the front foot, dictating play and camping in the opposition’s half. Their first real chance came in the 20th minute when Tanner Tessmann’s effort forced a routine save from Yehvann Diouf. Moments later, Ernest Nuamah went close after cutting inside from the left flank, but his shot skimmed just past the post.

Persistence paid off as Lyon found the breakthrough just before half-time. Corentin Tolisso delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing Nicolas Tagliafico to rise above his marker and head the ball past Diouf to make it 1-0 (36'). The home side took their lead into the break, happy after largely controlled proceedings thus far.

Second-half breakthrough for Lyon

Reims struggled to create clear-cut chances, and Lyon wasted little time in tightening their grip on the game. Saël Kumbedi made a promising run down the right in the 52nd minute but was denied by an alert Diouf when it came to the shot.

Les Lyonnais then managed to double their advantage when Rayan Cherki’s expertly-taken free kick found the head of Corentin Tolisso, who nodded home powerfully for 2-0 (82'). With Reims clearly on the back foot, the hosts continued to press forward.

Malick Fofana played a key role in Lyon’s third goal, sprinting down the left before sending in a dangerous cross. Thiago Almada cleverly let the ball run through to Rayan Cherki, who pounced to fire past Diouf effectively sealing the win (79').

Lyon were not done yet. In stoppage time, Cherki turned provider, delivering an inch-perfect cross from the right wing to find Georges Mikautadze, who calmly slotted home to complete the 4-0 rout (90+3').

THE STAT: Home is where the goals are

Lyon have recorded their largest home win in Ligue 1 Mcdonald's since 3 September 2022 (5-0 v Angers).

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