Lyon vs Angers

Lyon vs. Angers Preview: European Hopes on the Line in Ligue 1 Finale

Lyon will host Angers at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday night in a crucial Ligue 1 clash, with the home side still fighting for a potential European spot on the final day of the campaign.

Coming off a damaging 2-0 defeat to Monaco last weekend—where second-half goals from Takumi Minamino and Denis Zakaria sealed their fate—Lyon’s hopes of continental football next season hang in the balance. The loss marked their second consecutive defeat in the league, their first back-to-back setbacks since mid-August.

Currently sitting seventh in Ligue 1, Lyon trail Nice, Lille, and Strasbourg by three points, meaning Champions League qualification remains mathematically possible—though they’ll need favorable results elsewhere. Paulo Fonseca’s side must first focus on securing maximum points at home, where they’ve been formidable this season, netting 35 goals in 16 league matches.

Leading Lyon’s charge are the dangerous attacking duo of Alexandre Lacazette and Georges Mikautadze, who have combined for 24 league goals this campaign. Their firepower will be crucial as Lyon looks to capitalize on Angers’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, Angers arrive with the pressure off, having already secured their top-flight survival thanks to recent wins over Nantes and Strasbourg. A brace from Esteban Lepaul last weekend ensured their safety, extending their unbeaten run in May and lifting them to 13th in the table—five points clear of the relegation playoff spot.

However, Angers have struggled offensively on the road, scoring just 14 goals in 16 away matches—only bottom-side Montpellier (6) have fared worse. Their recent record against Lyon is also concerning, having lost their last four encounters by an aggregate score of 14-3. Their last victory over Les Gones dates back to August 2021, when Sofiane Boufal starred in a 3-0 win.

With Lyon desperate for a win to keep their European dreams alive and Angers playing with newfound freedom, Saturday’s clash promises high stakes—and plenty of drama.