Lyon go top as Nuamah goal and assist inspire convincing Auxerre win
Ernest Nuamah scored and provided an assist as Lyon beat Auxerre 3-1 at the Groupama Stadium, temporarily moving to the top of Ligue 1 and maintaining their perfect start to the new season.
It was a strong response from Paulo Fonseca’s side after the disappointment of their Champions League play-off defeat to Fenerbahce.
Match highlight
Lois Openda was at the heart of the action from the opening stages. Lyon appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after the Belgian striker went down inside the area, then Openda missed a huge chance before seeing a goal ruled out for offside. Nuamah had played a superb through ball, but the finish did not count.
Auxerre also had an early goal ruled out. Cameron Archer finished brilliantly, but the move was pulled back for an earlier infringement. That decision proved important, because Lyon quickly regained control and began turning their pressure into goals.
Around the half-hour mark, Nuamah delivered from a corner and Felix Bacher rose highest to head beyond Mamadou Diop.
Lyon doubled their lead only 3 minutes later. Zachary Athekame collected the ball on the edge of the area and fired a low strike beyond Diop to put the home side firmly in command.
They continued to push for more, with Mads Bidstrup going close, but Auxerre gave themselves a lifeline just before half-time.
Archer showed real composure to turn his marker and drill a finish into the bottom corner, scoring his first goal for the club and making the second half far more interesting.
However, Lyon quickly restored their 2-goal cushion after the break. Nuamah was again the key man. He drove inside and unleashed a superb finish to make it 3-1, scoring his first Lyon goal in 2 years and capping an excellent individual performance.
Auxerre boss Will Still made several changes in search of a way back, and Archer had a golden chance to make the closing stages tense. But he could not direct his header on target from substitute Rayan Mandengue’s cross.
Lyon almost added a fourth late on when Kail Boudache struck the post, but there was no need for another goal.
Auxerre could not find the attacking spark required for a comeback and remain without a win after their opening 3 Ligue 1 matches.
For Lyon, this was an emphatic return to form after their European setback. They have started the domestic campaign perfectly and will now hope Nuamah’s long-awaited goal is the beginning of a sustained run of form.
