Lyon strengthened their UEFA Europa League credentials with a commanding 2-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg, extending their remarkable run of just two defeats in their last 34 group and league phase outings.
The result also underlined their dominance on home soil, where they have now lost only three of their previous 29 major European fixtures.
Salzburg’s task was made even harder by a nightmare opening. Within four minutes, Mathys De Carvalho’s effort struck Maurits Kjaergaard’s raised arm, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Justice seemed to prevail for the visitors when Alexander Schlager denied Pavel Sulc from the spot.
But the goalkeeper’s relief was short-lived. Barely four minutes later, his wayward pass gifted possession to Adam Karabec, who delivered a precise cross for Martin Satriano to nod Lyon in front.
Karabec continued to torment Salzburg’s backline and almost created another goal when Nicolas Tagliafico somehow blazed over from close range after meeting the playmaker’s deep delivery.
At the other end, Salzburg offered little going forward, with their most notable moment coming from Clinton Mata’s errant backheel that nearly allowed Yorbe Vertessen in, only for substitute goalkeeper Dominik Greif to intervene quickly.
The second half belonged entirely to Paulo Fonseca’s men, who controlled possession with authority and pinned their opponents deep.
The decisive blow came just before the hour mark when Salzburg scrambled Sulc’s effort off the line, only for Karabec to swing in another pinpoint cross.
This time, Ruben Kluivert rose highest to head into the bottom corner and seal the victory.
With the win, Lyon sit joint top of their group on six points, while Salzburg remain rooted to the bottom, yet to get off the mark.
