Both recovering from disappointing defeats on the European stage, Ligue 1 giants Lyon and Paris Saint Germain will face each other at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday in one of the standout matches of the weekend.
Paris Saint Germain suffered a setback against the dominant Bayern Munich in their latest Champions League outing, while Lyon were beaten by Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday.
When European champions Paris Saint Germain met a flawless Bayern Munich side in the 2025–26 Champions League league phase, something had to give. At the Parc des Princes, Luis Diaz had a personal mission against the Parisians, and he delivered with a stunning brace within 32 minutes before being sent off before halftime. Despite Joao Neves pulling one back, Bayern held on for a 2–1 win.
That defeat ended Paris Saint Germain’s perfect record in the Champions League this season and could also prove costly in the Ligue 1 title race. The reigning French and European champions now sit only two points ahead of Marseille and Lens at the top of the table.
Last weekend, the capital side narrowly beat Nice 1–0, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Goncalo Ramos. The victory extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to six matches and maintained their reputation as the league’s best away team with eleven points on the road. However, their only domestic defeat so far came against rivals Marseille.
As for Lyon, coach Paulo Fonseca’s men are eager to close the gap on the leaders. A home victory would move them within a single point of Luis Enrique’s team, and their recent home form suggests they have the means to do so.
Six of Lyon’s seven matches at the Groupama Stadium this season have ended in victory, with the only exception being a 2–1 loss to Toulouse on October 5. They have also scored in every home game of the campaign so far.
However, away from home, Lyon have struggled. They enter Sunday’s clash winless in their last three games across all competitions, drawing against Paris FC and Brest before losing 2–0 to Real Betis in Europe.
Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony scored for Betis in that match, while Lyon failed to find the net for the second consecutive game after their goalless draw with Brest. Earning a point there was still commendable given they finished the match with ten players.
Lyon have managed to score in each of their last six meetings with Paris Saint Germain in all competitions, but five of those matches have ended in defeat. The Parisians have not lost away to Lyon since 2019, back when Thomas Tuchel was in charge.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Paris Saint Germain’s hopes against Bayern Munich were dented by two major injuries in the first half. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was forced off after 25 minutes, and Achraf Hakimi had to be withdrawn deep into stoppage time.
Both players are now confirmed to be sidelined for several weeks. Hakimi is nursing a sprained ankle from Luis Diaz’s reckless challenge, while Dembele is recovering from a calf issue. They join Desire Doue, who has a hamstring problem, and Nuno Mendes, who is still out with a knee injury.
As a result, the champions will have to manage without nearly a third of their strongest starting lineup during a demanding stretch of fixtures. However, there is a bit of good news for Luis Enrique, as Illia Zabarnyi will be available again after serving his Champions League suspension.
Lyon have their own disciplinary troubles to worry about. Defender Abner was sent off in the 3–3 draw with Paris, and Hans Hateboer followed with a red card against Brest. Both players are serving two-match domestic bans and will miss the clash.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is likely to step in at right back for Hateboer, while Nicolas Tagliafico will take charge on the opposite flank.
The home side will also be without key attacking duo Ernest Nuamah, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, and Malick Fofana, who has an ankle issue. Midfielder Orel Mangala is also ruled out until December due to a knee problem.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Lyon possible starting lineup:
Greif; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Morton; Sulc, Tolisso, Moreira; Satriano
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Barcola, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
EXPERT PREDICTION
Lyon 1-2 PSG
