Lyon 3-1 Auxerre: Bacher and Athekame strike as Nuamah seals win

Lyon moved provisionally top of Ligue 1 with a convincing 3-1 home win over Auxerre at the Groupama Stadium.

Goals from summer signings Felix Bacher and Zachary Athekame put Paulo Fonseca’s side firmly in control before half-time, and Ernest Nuamah sealed the points early in the second half after Cameron Archer had briefly given the visitors hope.

The hosts dominated from the outset and took the lead in the 28th minute when Nuamah’s corner was met by a powerful header from Bacher, who rose highest to plant the ball past Mamadou Diop. Three minutes later the advantage was doubled as Loïs Openda cleverly laid the ball back for Athekame to strike a low right-footed shot from the edge of the area into the far corner.

Auxerre, still searching for their first point of the season, reduced the deficit just before the break. Danny Namaso worked space on the right and his low cross was converted by Archer from close range to make it 2-1 at the interval.

Any lingering nerves were quickly settled after the restart. Pavel Šulc threaded a precise pass into the box and Nuamah produced a sharp turn before firing left-footed into the far corner for his first goal of the campaign, restoring Lyon’s two-goal cushion in the 53rd minute.

Fonseca’s side continued to control possession and created further chances, while Auxerre struggled to generate sustained pressure. The visitors remain bottom of the table without a point after three matches, having now conceded seven goals.

Lyon’s second successive victory leaves them with seven points from three games and level on goal difference with Monaco at the summit, underlining their strong start under Fonseca as they look to challenge for a Champions League place this season.