Ghanaian midfielder Ernest Nuamah was among the goalscorers as Olympique Lyonnais defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 in a thrilling UEFA Europa League encounter on Thursday night.
Lyon secured all three points at the Groupama Stadium on October 15, with Nuamah scoring in first-half stoppage time to give the French side a comfortable lead heading into the break.
The hosts took control of the game early, with captain Corentin Tolisso opening the scoring in the eighth minute. The midfielder reacted quickest inside the box after a corner kick to fire Lyon in front.
Nuamah then extended Lyon’s advantage in the 45th minute, producing a composed finish after receiving a pass from Japanese winger Keito Nakamura. The Ghanaian calmly placed his left-footed effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Crystal Palace responded strongly after the interval, with Yeremy Pino reducing the deficit five minutes into the second half after being played through by Adam Wharton.
Lyon restored their two-goal lead in the 76th minute when substitute Pavel Šulc converted Nakamura’s assist to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
However, Palace continued to push and pulled another goal back through Daichi Kamada in the 81st minute, setting up a tense final period.
Despite late pressure from the English side, Lyon held on to claim a valuable Europa League victory, with Nuamah’s contribution proving crucial.
The French club will now return their attention to Ligue 1 action as they prepare to face Nice on October 18.
