Crystal Palace were beaten 3-2 by Lyon at the Groupama Stadium as Pierre Sage’s return to his former club ended in frustration. The Eagles improved after the interval but could not find the equaliser after Daichi Kamada’s late goal.
Lyon took control in the first half through Corentin Tolisso and Ernest Nuamah. Tolisso struck after Palace failed to clear a corner, while Nuamah doubled the hosts’ advantage shortly before the break after Lyon moved the ball quickly through the Palace defence.
Palace had struggled to create clear chances before half-time, although Ismaila Sarr saw an effort saved by Dominik Greif. Sarr, making his first start of the season, was also booked after being penalised for handball when he believed he had directed the ball towards goal.
The visitors responded positively after the restart. A short corner involving Tyrick Mitchell and Adam Wharton opened the opportunity for Yeremy Pino, who finished in the 50th minute to reduce the deficit. Palace continued to threaten, but Lyon restored their two-goal advantage when Pavel Sulc flicked in after a Keito Nakamura effort in the 76th minute.
Kamada gave Palace renewed hope by sweeping home with nine minutes remaining. The Eagles then pushed for a third, with Chris Richards coming close from a late corner, but Greif got a hand to the header to preserve Lyon’s victory. Sage had returned to the club he managed for 14 months only days after Palace defeated his predecessor Oliver Glasner in the Premier League.
