UEL: Lyon Dominate FCSB to Advance in Europa League

Lyon demolish FCSB 4-0 to secure a 7-1 aggregate victory and book their spot in the Europa League quarterfinals, with Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah scoring braces.

Lyon secured a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over FCSB, effortlessly advancing to their ninth European quarterfinal this century. The French side dominated the second leg, winning 4-0 on the night and cementing their position in the final eight.

From the outset, Lyon were determined to put the tie beyond doubt. They created an early scoring opportunity, with Ernest Nuamah unleashing a curling shot from a precise Rayan Cherki pass. However, FCSB goalkeeper Lukas Zima was equal to the task, producing a sharp save to his right to deny Nuamah's effort.

Lyon's persistence paid off soon after, as a midfield turnover allowed Georges Mikautadze to receive the ball in the box. With a dazzling display of skill, he expertly sidestepped three defenders before calmly sweeping the ball into the bottom corner of the FCSB net, sending the hosts ahead.

The 1986 European Champions, FCSB, urgently needed a response, and it nearly came when Malcom Edjouma's effort was saved. However, this chance proved to be a rare exception for the visitors, as Lyon continued to dominate. Ernest Nuamah squandered two quickfire opportunities, first hitting the post and then sending the rebound wide of an empty net in a shocking miss. Nevertheless, he redeemed himself mere seconds later, sweeping the ball home from inside the area to further extend Lyon's lead.

Lyon progress 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/57jtZOGDlH

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 13, 2025

The second goal further solidified Lyon's dominance, and manager Paulo Fonseca was likely relishing the moment. Having recently begun serving a nine-month touchline ban in domestic football for confronting a referee, this victory must have been particularly sweet. Lyon could have extended their lead even further before halftime, but Lukas Zima denied Ernest Nuamah, while Rayan Cherki's powerful 25-yard strike narrowly missed the top corner.

Lyon's relentless pressure continued after the break, with Cherki once again playing a pivotal role. He burst into the area, providing a pinpoint pass to Georges Mikautadze, who expertly hooked the ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. Cherki's tormenting of FCSB's defense persisted until his final touch of the game, nearly yielding a third assist. His piercing run culminated in a pass to Mikautadze, although this time the subsequent shot sailed wide.

The match ultimately became a procession, as Lyon secured their sixth win in eight games under Fonseca's stewardship, which began in late January. Mikautadze squandered another opportunity to score his first club hat-trick since November 2022. For FCSB, this defeat served as a harsh reminder of the gap between them and the French powerhouses. The chasm was further underscored when Ernest Nuamah volleyed home Mikautadze's cross in the 88th minute, completing his brace and sealing a resounding victory for Lyon.