UEFA Europa League Matchday, 06/11/25
Lyon’s impressive unbeaten streak in the UEFA Europa League was halted in Sevilla, where Real Betis claimed a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Ez Abde (29) and Antony (35).
Match Summary
The opening 25 minutes saw both teams struggle to create significant chances. Lyon had some early possession but failed to pose a real threat, mirroring Betis’s cautious approach until Abde was set free behind the defense following a lapse in midfield. His initial shot was parried for a corner by Greif, but from the corner, Abde capitalized on poor defending from Tessmann and scored the first goal with relative ease.
Just moments later, Betis nearly extended their lead. Antony found space on the right and fired a shot that just missed the target. For the first time in the competition this season, Lyon felt the pressure. Despite missing earlier opportunities, Antony made his mark shortly afterward. He was played in following a deep free kick, exploiting the unawareness of Lyon’s defenders. With too much time and space, he cleverly lifted the ball over Greif, doubling the advantage for Betis.
As the first half closed, Enzo Molebe took a long-range shot that failed to threaten Valles in goal for Betis. At the break, the hosts were comfortably ahead by two goals.
Lyon introduced Nicolás Tagliafico and Alfonso Moreira at the start of the second half, replacing Enzo Molebe and Abner. Khalis Merah made a promising start, penetrating the Betis penalty area, but his attempted curled finish went just wide. Lyon dominated possession after halftime, with Betis content to defend their two-goal lead. However, Les Gones found it challenging to breach the Spanish side’s defense.
Tagliafico pushed forward and nearly brought Lyon back into contention, but his close-range attempt was deflected wide. Lyon continued to press for a goal in the latter stages, but they ultimately could not find a way through, allowing Betis to secure all three points.
Lyon Player Ratings
Dominik Greif – 5
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5
Ruben Kluivert – 4
Moussa Niakhaté – 4
Abner – 4, replaced by Nicolás Tagliafico (5) at 45′
Mathys De Carvalho – 4
Tanner Tessmann – 4
As a senior figure in a young Lyon midfield, the American international struggled to make an impact. He was partly to blame for the poor defending at the near post that allowed Ez Abde to score the opener, and his performance was marred by several errant passes.
Khalis Merah – 5
Adam Karabec – 4
Martín Satriano – 3
The Uruguayan striker failed to register a single shot on goal as he led the line. Though he attempted to position himself in threatening areas, he became too predictable for the Betis defense, ultimately having little effect on the game.
Enzo Molebe – 4, replaced by Alfonso Moreira (4) at 45′