Lyon Goals Without Its Brazilian Star And Advances In The Europa League

Lyon Golea Without Their Brazilian Star and Advance in the Europa League

The French team secures first place in the group despite the absence of Endrick, marked by the tragedy among the Greek fans.

Olympique Lyonnais has shown remarkable solvency on the last day of the Group Stage of the Europa League, achieving a resounding 4-2 victory against the Greek PAOK. The most striking thing about this match was the absence of their brand new Brazilian signing, Endrick, who could not make his debut in the European competition for regulatory reasons. Despite his short stay at the French club, Endrick has already made his mark with four goals in three games, including a hat-trick in Ligue 1 and the same in the French Cup.

The young talent, on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season, will have to wait for the direct knockout phase, specifically the round of 16, to be able to play European competition matches with Lyon. UEFA regulations prevent the registration of new players on the Europa League roster once the group stage has ended, and Endrick arrived at the French club during the winter transfer window, just after the registration window closed.

The team led by Paulo Fonseca, which has completed an impeccable group stage with seven wins and only one defeat, finished as leader of the group, equal on points with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but surpassing them in goal difference. The victory against PAOK, a combative rival that took the lead, reaffirms the good moment of Lyon, which featured outstanding performances by promising young players such as Rémi Himbert, scorer of the tying goal, and Adil Hamdani, who provided the assist for the winning goal.

The meeting was marked by an emotional moment. PAOK took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a goal from Giakoumakis. However, the Greek striker did not celebrate the goal due to a terrible tragedy: seven of his fans died in a traffic accident in Romania while they were on their way to France to watch the match. This event cast a shadow over the competition and added a tinge of sadness to the duel.

Despite the initial blow, Lyon reacted with determination. Two assists from Moreira were key to the comeback. First, in the 33rd minute, for young Rémi Himbert to make it 1-1. Then, at the beginning of the second half, in the 55th minute, Merah scored to make it 2-1. PAOK managed to tie again in the 66th minute, but Lyon put the game away in the final minutes. Karabec, assisted by the also talented Adil Hamdani, made it 3-2 in the 88th minute, and Alejandro Rodríguez sealed the final victory in the 93rd minute.

Lyon’s victory, added to the classification of other Spanish teams such as Betis, who suffered to beat Feyenoord but secured a place in the top four, and the performance of Fer López, whose work of art secured a place in the ‘top 16’, complete an interesting panorama in the Europa League. The French team shows that it has squad depth and young talent to face the knockout rounds, even without its brand new Brazilian star.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why couldn’t Endrick play in the Europa League Group Stage?

Endrick was not registered on Lyon’s list for the Group Stage of the Europa League because he arrived at the French club in the winter market, after the registration period closed according to UEFA regulations.

When can Endrick make his debut in the Europa League?

Endrick will be able to make his debut in the Europa League in the direct knockout phase, starting in the round of 16.

How many goals has Endrick scored for Lyon so far?

Endrick has scored four goals in three official games for Lyon, including a hat-trick in Ligue 1 and a goal in the Coupe de France.

How was the match between Lyon and PAOK?

Lyon beat PAOK 4-2.

Who were Lyon’s scorers?

Lyon’s scorers were Rémi Himbert, Merah, Karabec and Alejandro Rodríguez.

Why didn’t Giakoumakis celebrate his goal?

Giakoumakis did not celebrate his goal due to the tragic death of seven PAOK fans in a traffic accident.

How did Lyon finish the Europa League Group Stage?

Lyon finished as leader of its group, equal on points with Aston Villa but with a better goal difference.