Moreira’s Late Heroics Rescue Lyon
Lyon left it late but secured all three points in thrilling fashion, as Afonso Moreira’s stoppage-time strike gave them a 2–1 win over Strasbourg in front of a jubilant home crowd. The result lifted Lyon further up the Ligue 1 table, while Strasbourg were left to rue missed chances and costly defensive lapses.
It was a game full of intensity and controversy, featuring a missed penalty, an own goal, and a dramatic finale — everything that encapsulates the unpredictable rhythm of French football.
Panichelli Heads Strasbourg Ahead
Strasbourg made the brighter start, pressing high and forcing Lyon into early mistakes. Their energy paid off in the 25th minute when Guéla Doué’s pinpoint cross found Joaquín Panichelli, who rose highest to head beyond Dominik Greif and into the bottom-left corner for 1–0.
It was a well-worked goal — Panichelli’s first of the season — and reflected Strasbourg’s early control of possession and tempo. Lyon, meanwhile, struggled to create clear chances despite flashes of creativity from Corentin Tolisso and Malick Fofana.
Lyon Hit Back Through a Slice of Fortune
The hosts found their equaliser just six minutes later, though it came in fortuitous fashion. A dangerous delivery into the box caused chaos, and in the scramble, Strasbourg defender Ismaël Doukouré inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 1–1.
The equaliser sparked life into Lyon, who began to play with more urgency. Their momentum continued moments later when Tolisso earned a penalty after being brought down by Valentín Barco. However, the midfielder’s spot-kick was saved by Mike Penders, denying Lyon a halftime lead.
Both sides went into the break level, with Lyon looking more threatening but lacking clinical precision.
Second-Half Battle and VAR Drama
The second half was fiercely contested, with neither team willing to give an inch. Fouls, stoppages, and VAR checks disrupted the flow of the game — notably when Malick Fofana went down injured, forcing Lyon into a substitution that brought on Afonso Moreira.
That change would prove decisive later on.
Strasbourg, meanwhile, had moments of promise through Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara, but their finishing let them down. Penders continued to impress between the posts, denying Ghezzal and Satriano as Lyon pressed for a winner.
Afonso Moreira Steals It at the Death
Just when it looked like both sides would settle for a draw, Lyon struck in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Moussa Niakhaté surged forward and found Afonso Moreira on the left edge of the area.
The substitute took one touch before unleashing a stunning right-footed strike into the top-right corner — a moment of brilliance that sent the Groupama Stadium into raptures.
Strasbourg’s frustrations boiled over in the dying seconds as Félix Lemaréchal was booked for a reckless challenge, but Lyon held firm to secure a much-needed home win.
What It Means
Lyon’s late victory gives them valuable momentum as they look to climb the Ligue 1 standings after a mixed start to the campaign. Pierre Sage’s tactical adjustments paid off, particularly the introduction of Afonso Moreira, whose impact was instant and decisive.
For Strasbourg, it was another painful reminder of missed opportunities and lapses in concentration. They’ll need to tighten up defensively and be more clinical up front if they are to push into the top half of the table.
What’s Next
Lyon will look to build on this result when they face Brest in midweek, while Strasbourg return home to take on Montpellier in what already feels like a crucial fixture for Patrick Vieira’s men.
