Ligue 1: Mikautadze's Stoppage-Time Goal Gives Lyon 1-0 Win Over Lens

Lyon wins narrowly against Lens in Ligue 1

Lyon defeats Lens 1-0 in Ligue 1 match, with Mikautadze's goal proving the difference.

Lyon secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Lens in their Ligue 1 opener, ending a 10-year wait for an away head-to-head win. The match saw Lyon's determination pay off, with Georges Mikautadze scoring the decisive goal in the 45th+1 minute.

Post-Match Analysis

The win marked a significant milestone for Lyon, who had been battling administrative relegation issues just a season prior. Lens boss Pierre Sage, who was sacked by Lyon in January, would have been keen to make a statement against his former employers. Despite Lens's efforts, they couldn't capitalize on Lyon's defensive vulnerabilities, ultimately falling short.

Key Takeaways

• Match Result: Lyon won 1-0 against Lens in Ligue 1.

• Decisive Goal: Georges Mikautadze scored the winning goal.

• Head-to-Head Record: Lyon ended a 10-year wait for an away win against Lens.

• Lens's Season: Lens starts their season with a loss, while Lyon secures a crucial win.

The match got underway with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Nantes' Malick Fofana was involved in a promising attack early on, but it was Lyon who had the game's first significant chance when Corentin Tolisso's near-post volley was well saved by Nantes goalkeeper Remy Descamps. The hosts quickly responded, with Deiver Machado firing a shot just wide of the far post.

The game was end-to-end, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. Lyon's Georges Mikautadze broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, scoring from Malick Fofana's cutback to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime. This goal gave Lyon a boost heading into the second half, and they looked to build on their momentum.

After the break, Lens intensified their pressure, seeking to level the score. Andy Diouf, Lens' dynamic midfielder, was instrumental in the hosts' attack, bursting into the Lyon box and unleashing a shot that was deflected and clawed away by Lyon goalkeeper Remy Descamps. Wesley Saïd then had a chance to equalize but dragged his effort wide under pressure from Clinton Mata, as Lens continued to push forward.

Lyon starts the season strong with a victory on the road 🦁💥 pic.twitter.com/PjS2NokQ0B

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 16, 2025

Lens' attacking efforts were relentless, with Diouf and Saïd causing problems for the Lyon defense. Despite their best efforts, however, the hosts were unable to find the equalizing goal, and Lyon held on to their slender lead. The visitors' defense, marshaled by Castello Lukeba and Deiver Machado's defensive work, proved solid against Lens' onslaught.

Match Analysis

Despite Lyon's strong defensive display, they still managed to pose a threat on the counter-attack. Malick Fofana's pace forced Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser into a spectacular save, showcasing Lyon's ability to create scoring opportunities. This moment came shortly after Lens had a penalty appeal rejected by referee Romain Lissorgue, adding to the drama of the match.

Post-Match Insights

Lyon's visitors secured maximum points and maintained a clean sheet at Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, Lens, also known as Les Sang et Or, continued their struggles in opening matches, failing to win 12 of their last 15 Ligue 1 season openers, with four draws and eight losses.