Lyon Seal Europa League Top Spot with Late Drama Against PAOK
Karabec and Gomes strike late in 4-2 win over 10-man PAOK
Lyon clinched top spot in the UEFA Europa League league phase with a dramatic 4-2 victory over PAOK, sealing first place thanks to late goals from Adam Karabec and Alejandro Gomes.
PAOK, reduced to 10 men, must now settle for a knockout phase play-off berth.
A sombre backdrop
The match was played in an emotional and sombre atmosphere following the tragic news that seven PAOK supporters lost their lives in a road traffic accident on Tuesday while travelling to the game.
As a mark of respect, the away end remained closed, a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, and Lyon supporters displayed a banner reading:
“Pain has no colours, rest in peace.”
Early breakthrough and swift response
Given the circumstances, celebrations were understandably muted when Giorgos Giakoumakis gave PAOK the lead in the 20th minute. The striker steered home from Andrija Živković’s driven cross following a clever short-corner routine.
Lyon, already assured of a top-eight finish, responded quickly. After just under 15 minutes, Rémi Himbert levelled the score with his first senior goal, showing remarkable composure for a 17-year-old. Collecting the ball on the left side of the area, he shifted onto his right foot before curling a calm finish beyond Antonis Tsiftsis.
Red card shifts momentum
PAOK’s hopes of securing a direct place in the last 16 suffered a major blow when Giannis Konstantelias was sent off, receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mathys De Carvalho.
Lyon capitalised early in the second half as another academy talent made his mark. Khalis Merah, just 18, showed the poise of a seasoned forward by controlling the ball in the box and firing a right-footed effort in off the far post to give the hosts the lead.
PAOK show spirit, Lyon finish strong
Despite being a man down, PAOK showed tremendous resilience and equalised once more. Soualiho Meïté rose highest to power home a header from Živković’s outswinging corner, making it 2-2 and threatening to deny Lyon top spot.
Lyon had a golden chance to reclaim the lead when Adam Karabec won a penalty, but his effort crashed against the woodwork following Giannis Michailidis’ clumsy foul.
However, Karabec redeemed himself in the 88th minute, reacting sharply to prod home from close range and restore Lyon’s advantage. Deep into stoppage time, Alejandro Gomes added gloss to the scoreline, netting his first senior goal to seal a 4-2 victory.
The result confirmed Lyon’s place at the top of the standings, while PAOK dropped to 17th, condemned to the play-off round.
