Lyon vs Crystal Palace: Sage Returns in Europa League Clash
Lyon host Crystal Palace at Groupama Stadium in the Europa League on October 15, with both sides chasing a second straight win. The match also brings Palace manager Pierre Sage back to the French club he led from November 2023 to January 2025, while Lyon seek a response after losing to Lens in Ligue 1.
A former Lyon coach now leads the visiting side, giving a key Europa League fixture a personal edge. Lyon host Crystal Palace at Groupama Stadium on October 15, 2026, with both clubs aiming for a second straight win in the league phase.
Kickoff is scheduled for 23:45 WIB, or Western Indonesian Time. A victory would strengthen either team’s position after both opened the competition with wins.
Sage returns to Lyon
Palace manager Pierre Sage led Lyon from November 2023 to January 2025 before moving on to Lens and later taking charge of the English club. His return is more than a visit to a former workplace.
In a pre-match interview cited by Eurosport, Sage said he still felt part of Lyon and considered the match a special occasion. He also said those emotional ties could not distract his team from its task: following the tactical plan and pursuing a positive result.
There is business to finish.
Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca also paid tribute to Sage, his former counterpart at the French club. For Lyon, the match offers a chance to build on a positive European start and respond to their latest domestic defeat.
Both teams seek a second win
Lyon opened the league phase with a 2-1 away win over Anderlecht. They scored twice in the first half, then had to work hard to protect their lead as the hosts pressed after the break.
The French side entered the Europa League after failing to get through the Champions League playoffs in August 2026. Before their latest loss, Lyon had gone unbeaten through their first five Ligue 1 matches, recording three wins and two draws. They then lost 2-1 away to Lens.
Crystal Palace also won their opening league-phase match. Sage’s knowledge of Lyon may help Palace prepare for the home side, while the Groupama Stadium crowd gives Fonseca’s team a familiar setting as it looks to recover from the Lens defeat.
The teams meet at Groupama Stadium on Thursday, October 15, with kickoff set for 23:45 WIB.
