Paulo Fonseca made just one change to the line-up that beat Lens 1-0 on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season. Sael Kumbedi dropped to the bench, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles moving back into the right-back position and new signing Pavel Šulc coming into the team on the right side of attack to make his first start for his new club.
The Lyon supporters paid tribute to club legend Bernard Lacombe before kick off, with a large tifo and numerous banners in the stands. It was the fist home match since the former striker passed away during the summer aged 72. Lacombe, who scored 123 goals in 222 appearances for the club also served as manager and advisor to the board for many years,
It was a scrappy start to the game, with Lyon initially unable to gain control and dominate possession of the ball. Both teams had chances to open the scoring and Mikautadze came close against his former club but shot straight at the ‘keeper with his weaker left foot.
It was the home side who did break the deadlock in the 25th minute when Šulc rode a challenge and carried the ball into the Metz box where he fed Malick Fofana. The Belgian jinked past his man and slotted the ball confidently past Fischer in the Metz goal.
It didn’t take long for them to double their advantage. Tyler Morton played a superb ball through to Maitland-Niles, who had made a perfectly timed run in behind the Metz left-back. He, in turn, sent an inviting low cross along the edge of the six-yard box, which Corentin Tolisso stroked into the net.
Lyon looked more comfortable in the second half and there was never much suggestion that Metz would get back into the game. Morton tested Fischer from long range and Mikautadze had another chance but hit his shot too tamely. He made the ‘keeper work harder with a diving header after more good work by Fofana down the left.
The result was finally put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute when another Morton ball into the box caused panic in the Metz defence. Tessmann’s header was tipped onto the bar and rebounded into the danger zone where substitute Adam Karabec pounced to finish from close range. It was the Czech winger’s first goal for the club. All that remained was for new signings Ruben Kluivert and Afonso Moreira to come off the bench for their debuts.
The result leaves Lyon top of the Ligue 1 table on goal difference after the first two matchdays. Three other clubs have also won their opening two fixtures (Toulouse, PSG & Strasbourg). Next time out, Lyon will host Marseille at the Groupama Stadium.