Lyon Thrash Qarabağ 4-1 to Extend Unbeaten Away Streak

Olympique Lyonnais grabbed a vital three points in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), brushing Qarabağ aside 4-1 to stretch their unbeaten away streak in all tournaments to eight games (W4, D4).

Entering the match on the fringe of the top-eight, Lyon began on the front foot with Georges Mikautadze having a shot blocked and Rayan Cherki shooting off-target from distance. The visitors kept pushing for an opening, and their early superiority paid off in the 15th minute when Ernest Nuamah’s cut-back into the area was neatly slotted into the far corner by Mikautadze.

Unfazed by that blow, Qarabağ came within millimetres of producing an instant reply, only for Patrick Andrade’s effort from the edge of the area to smash against the foot of the post. The home side grew in belief as the first half wore on, with Juninho nodding a close-range header onto the crossbar, while at the opposite end, Cherki and Nuamah had a pair of chances stopped by Mateusz Kochalski.

Just like the opening half, the visitors burst out the gates at the beginning of the second, as Kochalski remained solid in the Qarabağ goal to block Cherki and Nicolás Tagliafico in rapid succession. The relentless pressure showed no signs of letting up, and Lyon extended their advantage shortly past the hour mark, with substitute Corentin Tolisso bending a stunning shot into the top corner for his second goal this season.

With all the momentum, Pierre Sage’s side netted a third just five minutes later when Malick Fofana darted to the near post to tap in from Saïd Benrahma’s inviting cross. That strike dashed any chance of a comeback, and Lyon coasted through the final stages, adding more shine to the scoreline with Mikautadze, who calmly slotted in from Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ pass to secure a commanding win. For Qarabağ, a late spot-kick from Juninho offered some consolation, but they’ll aim to recover on matchday six when they travel to play Elfsborg.