Olympique Lyonnais Battles Past Basel to Secure Third Straight Europa League Victory
Published on October 24, 2025 – 15:30 CET
By Bria –
Olympique Lyonnais (OL) endured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over FC Basel in the third matchday of the UEFA Europa League group stage at Groupama Stadium, maintaining their perfect record in the competition. Despite recent struggles in Ligue 1, where they suffered defeats in their last two matches, goals from Corentin Tolisso and Afonso Moreira ensured a third consecutive European win. However, the performance was far from flawless, exposing areas for improvement as OL prepares for a crucial Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg.
Match Report: A Gritty 2-0 Triumph
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Olympique Lyonnais | 2-0 (Tolisso 3’, Moreira 90’) | Corentin Tolisso (1 goal, MOTM), Afonso Moreira (1 goal), Dominik Greif (key saves) |
| FC Basel | 0-0 | None notable |
OL’s victory came with moments of brilliance but also frustration, as they dominated possession and chances yet struggled to convert until the final moments. Coach Paulo Fonseca rotated his squad, giving opportunities to youngsters like Mathys De Carvalho and resting key players for Sunday’s domestic fixture. The result keeps OL atop the Europa League standings with 9 points, level with Braga, pending other matches.
The Game: A Tale of Dominance and Missed Opportunities
First Half: Tolisso Sets the Tone
As has become customary in Europe, Fonseca’s rotated lineup showed early intent. Just three minutes in, Mathys De Carvalho capitalized on a sloppy Basel clearance from a six-meter kick, pressing high to force a turnover. The ball fell to captain Corentin Tolisso, who rifled a low shot past Basel’s goalkeeper Marwin Hitz to make it 1-0. The early strike set the tone for a dominant first half, with OL’s slick passing and high press overwhelming the Swiss side.
However, Lyon’s failure to capitalize on their dominance was a recurring theme. Martin Satriano misjudged a promising counter-attack in the 13th minute, while Abner fluffed a clear chance in the 23rd. The most glaring moment came when Tanner Tessmann opted for a selfish shot instead of passing to an open teammate (29th, 44th), drawing a fiery rebuke from Tolisso, who was visibly incensed by his teammate’s decision-making. Despite 62% possession and 12 shots (5 on target), OL went into the break with just a one-goal lead.
Second Half: Basel’s Threat and Lyon’s Resilience
The second period saw Basel grow into the game, exploiting gaps in Lyon’s midfield. Malick Fofana missed two golden opportunities to double the lead, striking straight at Hitz in the 48th and 51st minutes. Basel responded with dangerous moments, requiring Tyler Morton to make a crucial goal-line clearance (53rd) and goalkeeper Dominik Greif to produce a stunning save (70th). A late block on Léo Leroy (87th) further preserved OL’s lead.
As tension mounted, substitute Afonso Moreira sealed the win in the 90th minute. A swift counter-attack, orchestrated by Pavel Sulc, saw Moreira slot home calmly, allowing Lyon fans to breathe a sigh of relief. The 2-0 scoreline flattered OL, who had been made to work hard for their points.
Player of the Match: Corentin Tolisso Shines
Positioned as a left-sided playmaker in Fonseca’s preferred midfield box, Corentin Tolisso was the standout performer. His early goal gave OL the lead, and his composure on the ball set him apart in a team prone to wasteful decisions. The 2018 World Cup winner’s leadership was evident, both in his precise passing (92% accuracy, 3 key passes) and in his vocal presence, notably when chastising Tessmann for poor choices. A head clash with Basel’s Josip Barisic in the 9th minute briefly rattled him, but Tolisso played through, only leaving the pitch late for Pavel Sulc, who provided the assist for Moreira’s clincher.
“Corentin was our anchor today. His goal and leadership dragged us through.”
— Paulo Fonseca, post-match
Key Moments
- 3rd minute: De Carvalho’s press forces a Basel error; Tolisso scores (1-0).
- 13th, 23rd, 29th, 44th: Satriano, Abner, and Tessmann waste clear chances, frustrating OL’s dominance.
- 48th, 51st: Fofana’s shots saved by Hitz, keeping Basel in the game.
- 53rd, 70th: Morton’s clearance and Greif’s save deny Basel an equalizer.
- 87th: Leroy’s shot blocked, preserving Lyon’s lead.
- 90th: Moreira’s counter-attack goal, assisted by Sulc, seals the 2-0 win.
What This Means for OL
The victory cements Olympique Lyonnais as a serious contender in the Europa League, with a perfect 9 points from three matches. Their European form contrasts sharply with their Ligue 1 struggles, where back-to-back losses have left them mid-table. Fonseca’s rotation strategy paid off, but the lack of clinical finishing raises concerns ahead of tougher tests. The upcoming Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Sunday will demand a sharper performance, especially with key players like Alexandre Lacazette likely returning.
For Basel, the defeat leaves them with just 3 points, highlighting their struggles in a competitive group. Their inability to capitalize on Lyon’s wastefulness exposed a lack of cutting edge.
Fan Reactions
Lyon supporters took to social media to celebrate the win while acknowledging the team’s imperfections. On X, posts like these captured the mood:
“OL in Europa League = unstoppable. Ligue 1? Work in progress. Tolisso is a beast! 🦁 #OLBasel”
— @LyonFan69
“We made that harder than it needed to be. Fofana and Tessmann need to wake up. Credit to Greif for saving us!”
— @AllezOLForever
Fans also praised the team’s European consistency, with many eyeing a deep run in the competition.
Tactical Insights: Fonseca’s Philosophy Tested
Paulo Fonseca’s 4-2-2-2 system, with a midfield box featuring Tolisso and Khalis Merah, delivered fluid ball progression but lacked end product. The high press, led by De Carvalho, disrupted Basel early, but Lyon’s inability to kill the game invited pressure. Defensively, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Clinton Mata were solid, while Greif’s heroics in goal proved decisive. Fonseca’s substitutions—Sulc and Moreira—swung the game, showing his bench depth will be key in Europe.
What’s Next?
OL’s next Europa League match is a tougher prospect, with a trip to face Anderlecht looming. Before that, they host Strasbourg in Ligue 1, where Fonseca will likely revert to his strongest XI. For Basel, a home clash against Young Boys offers a chance to regain momentum, but their European hopes are fading.
This win, while scrappy, reinforces OL’s European credentials. Can they translate this form to domestic success? Fans searching for “OL Europa League highlights” or “Tolisso goal Basel” will find plenty to celebrate, but also a reminder of work to be done.
Stat Spotlight
- OL possession: 62%
- Shots: OL 18 (7 on target), Basel 10 (3 on target)
- Pass accuracy: Tolisso 92%, team average 87%
- Saves: Greif 3, Hitz 5
Photo: Corentin Tolisso celebrates his early goal against Basel – © AFP
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