Lyon Vs Olympiacos

Lyon will be hoping to secure their first victory in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League campaign when they welcome Olympiacos, the reigning UEFA Europa Conference League champions, to Groupama Stadium on Thursday. Both teams find themselves in the initial league phase of this year's revamped Europa League format, which now includes 36 teams. Each club will compete in a total of eight games during this stage, after which the top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16. Meanwhile, the subsequent 16 teams will participate in a playoff round to earn their place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Lyon, one of France's most prominent football clubs, have a storied history in European competitions. They secured their place in the 2024-25 Europa League by finishing sixth in Ligue 1 last season. It was a tight race, as they edged out Lens for the final European qualification spot by just two points. The 2024-25 season marks their return to continental competition after a brief absence, with their last appearance coming in the 2021-22 Europa League. That campaign saw them advance to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by West Ham United, who triumphed 4-1 on aggregate in April 2022.

Lyon's overall performance in the Europa League has been commendable in recent years. In their last 10 matches in the competition, they have secured six victories, three draws, and suffered only one defeat. This solid track record should give the team some confidence as they embark on their latest European journey. However, the club's domestic form has left much to be desired, with manager Pierre Sage facing significant pressure due to a series of underwhelming results.

The 2024-25 Ligue 1 season has been anything but smooth for Lyon. After five games, they find themselves languishing in 14th place in the league table, having accumulated only four points. This leaves them just two points clear of bottom-placed Angers, a far cry from the heights they are used to reaching. Lyon's struggles were further highlighted in their most recent Ligue 1 match, where they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Marseille on September 22, a result that only deepened the concerns surrounding their current form.

One area in which Lyon can take some solace is their offensive potential. Despite their disappointing start to the season, they have generated the fifth-highest expected goals (xG) figure among the 18 teams in Ligue 1. This suggests that while results have not gone their way, the team is creating enough opportunities to be more competitive. However, converting these chances into actual goals and victories remains a challenge that Sage and his players must address as they prepare for a critical Europa League fixture.

Lyon's form at Groupama Stadium, their home ground, has been inconsistent in recent months. They have lost three of their last four matches at home, a worrying trend that has contributed to their struggles in the early stages of the Ligue 1 season. However, prior to this rough patch, Lyon had enjoyed a strong run of form at home, winning four consecutive matches in front of their supporters. This contrast highlights the unpredictable nature of Lyon's performances, both in domestic and European competition, as they seek to regain their footing.

One of the key players for Lyon in the upcoming clash against Olympiacos will be their young attacking talent, Ernest Nuamah. The Ghanaian winger has shown glimpses of his potential since joining the club, and Lyon will be looking to him to provide the creative spark needed to break down a well-organized Olympiacos defense. Nuamah's pace and dribbling ability could prove to be a decisive factor, especially if Lyon are able to dominate possession and create chances from wide areas.

While Lyon are grappling with their domestic struggles, Olympiacos arrive in France as one of Greece's top clubs, riding high after their triumph in the UEFA Europa Conference League last season. Under the guidance of manager José Luis Mendilibar, Olympiacos have enjoyed considerable success in recent years, and their victory in the Conference League has added another prestigious trophy to their collection.

Olympiacos finished third in the Greek Superleague's championship playoff group last season, a position that would have qualified them for the Europa League even without their Conference League victory. Their European journey last season was nothing short of remarkable. Although they initially failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Europa League, finishing third, they were transferred to the Conference League. From there, they went on a dominant run, winning seven of their nine matches and drawing the remaining two.

One of the standout moments of their Conference League campaign was their stunning 6-2 aggregate victory over Unai Emery's Aston Villa in the semi-finals. This result showcased Olympiacos' ability to compete with top-tier European clubs, and it set the stage for their triumph in the final. On May 29, 2024, they defeated Italian side Fiorentina 1-0 to claim the Conference League title, further solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the European stage.

Domestically, Olympiacos have started the 2024-25 season in solid form, sitting in third place in the Greek Superleague with 10 points from their opening five matches. However, they will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Aris in their most recent league game on September 21. Despite this setback, Mendilibar's side have been generally strong away from home, winning two of their last three matches on the road this season. In their last six away fixtures, Olympiacos have recorded three wins, one draw, and two defeats, demonstrating their ability to pick up points in challenging environments.

While Olympiacos' recent success in the Conference League has been impressive, their form in the Europa League itself has been less consistent. In their last nine matches in this competition, they have managed just one victory, alongside five draws and three defeats. This mixed record highlights the challenge they face as they attempt to navigate the competitive landscape of the Europa League, where the level of opposition is typically higher than in the Conference League.

Nevertheless, Olympiacos will be confident of their chances against a Lyon side that has struggled for consistency this season. The Greek champions possess a well-balanced squad, with experienced players like Kostas Fortounis providing creativity and leadership in midfield, while striker Youssef El-Arabi remains a potent threat in front of goal. If Olympiacos can maintain their defensive discipline and capitalize on Lyon's vulnerabilities, they have the potential to secure a positive result at Groupama Stadium.

Thursday's clash between Lyon and Olympiacos promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. Both teams are capable of playing attractive, attacking football, but they also have their respective weaknesses that can be exploited. For Lyon, the key to success will likely lie in their ability to control possession and create high-quality chances. Their attacking players, including Nuamah and forward Alexandre Lacazette, will need to be at their best to break down a resilient Olympiacos defense.

On the other hand, Olympiacos will look to hit Lyon on the counter-attack, using the pace of their wide players and the clinical finishing of El-Arabi to punish any defensive lapses from the home side. Mendilibar's team has shown they are capable of soaking up pressure and striking on the break, as evidenced by their performances in last season's Conference League. If they can execute a similar game plan against Lyon, they may well come away with a valuable result.

Set pieces could also play a crucial role in this encounter. Both teams have players who are capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box, and with physical presences like Lyon's Sinaly Diomandé and Olympiacos' Pape Abou Cissé in defense, the aerial battle could be decisive in determining the outcome of the match.

As Lyon prepare to host Olympiacos in their opening Europa League fixture, both teams find themselves at a crossroads in their respective seasons. For Lyon, this match represents an opportunity to kickstart their European campaign and regain some much-needed confidence after a difficult start to the domestic season. A victory would not only boost their chances of progressing in the competition but also provide a morale boost for a squad that has struggled to find its rhythm.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, will be aiming to continue their impressive form in European competitions. Having tasted success in the Conference League, they will be eager to make their mark in the Europa League and demonstrate that they are capable of competing at a higher level. A positive result against Lyon would reinforce their credentials as serious contenders in the tournament and provide further momentum as they navigate both domestic and European challenges.

In what is expected to be a closely contested affair, both Lyon and Olympiacos have plenty to play for, and the outcome could have significant implications for their respective Europa League campaigns.