Crystal Palace suffered a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Lyon at the Groupama Stadium, leaving Pierre Sage frustrated on his return to the club he managed for 14 months.
Lyon took control before half-time through goals from Corentin Tolisso and Ernest Nuamah. Palace did not manage a shot on target during the opening period, as the hosts established a commanding advantage.
The Eagles responded five minutes after the restart when Yéremy Pino reduced the deficit. Lyon restored their two-goal cushion through Pavel Sulc, however, putting the Ligue 1 side back in control.
Palace substitute Daichi Kamada scored with nine minutes remaining to give the visitors renewed hope, but Sage’s side could not find the equaliser. The second half offered a significant improvement, although Lyon held on for the points.
Ismaïla Sarr made his first start of the season for Palace. The forward finished as the Conference League’s leading scorer last season and was included in the starting lineup for the trip to Lyon.
