Olympique Lyonnais 4-0 FC Steaua Bucuresti (7-1 agg): Mikautadze, Nuamah net braces as Lyon thrash FCSB to reach the final eight
Olympique Lyonnais advanced to their ninth European quarter-final of the century with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over a struggling FCSB, who suffered a 4-0 defeat on the night in France.
Eager to conclude the tie swiftly, the home team forced goalkeeper Lukas Zima into an impressive early save, as he dove low to his right to deny Ernest Nuamah’s curling attempt following a superb pass from Rayan Cherki.
However, they took the lead shortly thereafter when a midfield turnover allowed Georges Mikautadze to gain possession in the penalty area. After executing a couple of stepovers, he skillfully maneuvered past three defenders and finished with a precise shot into the bottom corner of the FCSB goal.
The European champions of 1986 sought an immediate reply, which nearly materialized when Malcom Edjouma's shot was saved. This opportunity was one of the few for the visitors, as Les Gones dominated the match.
Nuamah missed two quick chances, first hitting the post and then sending the rebound wide of an open net in what could be considered one of the season's notable misses. Nevertheless, he quickly redeemed himself by scoring from inside the area moments later.
This increased the advantage for Paulo Fonseca’s team, and the manager was likely relishing the moment, especially since he has recently begun a nine-month suspension from domestic coaching due to an altercation with a referee.
Before halftime, the score could have been three, but Zima denied Nuamah, while Cherki narrowly missed the top corner with a powerful 25-yard shot.
Not satisfied with just one assist, the French player once again set up a goal shortly after the break, making a dynamic run into the penalty area before passing to Mikautadze, who skillfully directed the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.
Cherki continued to trouble FCSB until his last involvement in the match, nearly achieving a third assist with another incisive run that led to a pass for Mikautadze, although this time the shot went off target.
Ultimately, it was a straightforward victory as Lyon claimed their sixth win in just eight matches since Fonseca took charge in late January.
Mikautadze missed another chance as he sought his first hat-trick in club football since November 2022.
For FCSB, this marked only their second defeat in 11 matches, yet it served as a stark reminder of the disparity between them and the formidable French side—an impression further solidified when Nuamah completed his brace by volleying in Mikautadze’s cross in the 88th minute.
SportsLigue