Ligue 1: Lyon Qualify for UEFA Conference League with 2-0 Win Over Angers

Alexandre Lacazette scores his 200th goal for Lyon as they secure a 2-0 win over Angers, earning a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

Lyon secured a dominant 2-0 win over Angers on the final day of Ligue 1, thanks to a brace from Alexandre Lacazette, who scored his 200th goal for the club. This victory propelled Lyon into sixth place after a late twist in Strasbourg, earning them a spot in the UEFA Conference League next season.

Path to European Qualification

Needing a win to secure a European spot, Lyon hosted Angers, who had already secured their safety. The match came after a tough defeat at Monaco, making this win crucial for Lyon's ambitions to qualify for European competition.

Lyon, needing a win to boost their chances, started strong. However, they missed a prime opportunity when Ainsley Maitland-Niles failed to capitalize on a Lacazette pass, firing straight at Melvin Zinga instead of placing the shot to either side of the goalkeeper.

Lacazette had another chance to score, but he couldn't convert Ryan Cherki's excellent cross to the back post, denying him the chance to add to his 13 league goals this season.

Angers emerged from the first half without conceding, but their own attacking efforts were virtually nonexistent. This was consistent with their recent form against Lyon, having lost their last four encounters.

The second half mirrored the first, with Lyon continuing to dominate and looking the more likely team to score. Angers struggled to create meaningful chances, leaving them vulnerable to Lyon's attacks.

Lacazette's Milestone Goal

A win at home to close this season ❤️💙

2 goals for @LacazetteAlex

2-0 #OLSCO pic.twitter.com/vL79dbCaK6

— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) May 17, 2025

Alexandre Lacazette tested Angers goalkeeper Melvin Zinga twice early in the second half. The deadlock was eventually broken when Zinga's rash challenge on Thiago Almada in the penalty area gave Lyon a spot-kick opportunity. Lacazette coolly scored his 200th goal for Lyon, sending Zinga the wrong way to make it 1-0.

Lyon Press for Second Goal

With goal difference potentially playing a crucial role in securing a European spot, Lyon continued to push for an extension of their lead. They nearly doubled their advantage shortly after when Thiago Almada struck the post with a superb long-range effort.

With safety already secured, Angers adopted a more defensive approach, content to absorb pressure and look for occasional counter-attacks. Their best chance came when Esteban Lepaul's effort was blocked.

Lyon sealed the win 20 minutes from time when Alexandre Lacazette completed his brace with a simple tap-in from Ryan Cherki's cross. The hosts nearly scored again moments later when Ainsley Maitland-Niles hit the post after getting on the end of Malick Fofana's low cross.

In the closing minutes of the match, Lyon fans' attention shifted to the ongoing games at Lille and Strasbourg. A late winner for Lille over Reims meant Lyon's focus turned to the Le Havre vs Strasbourg match.

Just when it seemed Lyon's European hopes were slipping away, Le Havre won a late penalty at the Stade de la Meinau. Abdoulaye Toure converted the spot-kick, securing a win that pushed Lyon into sixth place, sparking likely celebrations in the Lyon dressing room as the final whistle blew.