Lyon delivered a masterclass performance at Ibrox, outplaying Rangers in a 4-1 Europa League win.
Alexandre Lacazette and Malick Fofana both scored twice, with Rayan Cherki pulling the strings for Lyon.
It was a night to forget for Rangers, who struggled to match the pace and skill of their French opponents.
Lyon wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Malick Fofana opening the scoring after just 10 minutes.
A brilliant attacking move saw Rayan Cherki’s shot saved, but Fofana pounced on the rebound, bending his shot past the helpless Rangers goalkeeper.
This goal set the tone for Lyon’s performance as they showcased their attacking flair throughout the match.
Rangers responded quickly through Tom Lawrence, who equalized after Cyriel Dessers’ initial shot was blocked. However, the opponents quickly regained control, capitalizing on a defensive error by Connor Barron. Fofana set up Lacazette for an easy finish, putting the French side back in front.
Lacazette, who was playing his 50th Europa League game, wasn’t finished. Shortly before halftime, the former Arsenal striker unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that flew into the top corner, giving the club a 3-1 lead.
Lacazette’s clinical finishing was a reminder of his quality, as he moved up the ranks of Europa League goal scorers.
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Second-Half Dominance from Lyon
the club continued their dominance after the break, with Fofana scoring his second goal of the night.
Once again, it was Cherki who orchestrated the attack, delivering a perfect low cross to the back post, where Fofana was waiting to slot the ball home. This goal put the result beyond doubt, with Lyon firmly in control at 4-1.
Rangers tried to find a way back into the match, but Lyon’s defense held strong. Duje Caleta-Car nearly added a fifth for Lyon when his header thundered off the crossbar, while Corentin Tolisso had a shot cleared off the line.
Substitute Said Benrahma also came close to scoring, but Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland was able to deny him. Despite these near-misses, Lyon’s victory was never in doubt, as they cruised to their second consecutive Europa League win.
Lacazette and Fofana Shine for Lyon
Alexandre Lacazette and Malick Fofana were the stars of the show for Lyon, each scoring twice and tormenting the Rangers defense.
Lacazette’s experience in European competition was on full display, as he took his Europa League goal tally to 24, making him one of the top scorers in the competition’s history.
Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aritz Aduriz have scored more goals in the Europa League than Lacazette since his debut in the tournament.
Malick Fofana, meanwhile, demonstrated why he’s considered one of Lyon’s brightest young talents. His ability to create chances and score goals was evident, with his link-up play alongside Cherki proving too much for Rangers to handle.
Fofana’s two goals and one assist marked the first time he has contributed to multiple goals in a single game for the club, a sign of his growing influence in the team.
For Rangers, this was a night to forget. Despite an impressive start to their Europa League campaign with a win over Malmo on Matchday 1, they were simply outplayed by the opponents.
Defensive errors, particularly from Connor Barron, proved costly as Lyon capitalized on every opportunity.
This match marked the first time Rangers have conceded four goals at home in the Europa League, a stat that will be hard for manager Philippe Clement to digest.
While Rangers did show moments of attacking promise, they were unable to sustain pressure against a well-organized opponents.
What’s Next for Rangers and Lyon?
For Rangers, the focus will now shift to bouncing back from this defeat. Manager Philippe Clement will need to address the defensive frailties that were exposed by Lyon, particularly ahead of their next Europa League fixture. With three matches remaining in the group stage, Rangers will need to improve if they are to progress to the knockout rounds.
Lyon, on the other hand, will be full of confidence following their second straight win in the competition. With players like Lacazette and Fofana in top form, Lyon will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run and secure qualification from the group.
