The match was played under the shadow of tragedy, as the football community mourned the heartbreaking loss of seven PAOK supporters in a traffic accident on their way to the game. With the away section closed and a powerful minute’s silence preceding kickoff, home fans displayed a moving banner: “pain has no colours, rest in peace.” It was a stirring reminder that, while rivalries run deep, football's spirit of unity can bridge even the heaviest grief.
The early drama: PAOK’s openers and Lyon’s response
In what began as a subdued contest, PAOK found the net first. It was Giorgos Giakoumakis who momentarily lifted the spirits of the visiting camp with a composed finish after a sharp move initiated by Andrija Živković from a short-corner routine. The celebration, however, was reserved—a muted acknowledgment of the emotional weight every player carried onto the field that evening.
Lyon, safely through to the top eight regardless of the evening’s result, showed true resolve. Just 15 minutes after conceding, they found their equalizer through 17-year-old Rémi Himbert, whose confidence belied his age. Collecting the ball on the left edge of the penalty area, he deftly cut inside and stroked a clinical right-foot finish past PAOK’s Antonis Tsiftsis—his first ever senior goal, a memory he’ll cherish for years.
Turning points: cards, comebacks, and teen talent
The encounter’s intensity spiked when Giannis Konstantelias saw red after two bookings, his second yellow earned for an unnecessary foul on Mathys De Carvalho. With PAOK reduced to ten men, it appeared Lyon’s young prospects were poised to seize control. That promise materialized early in the second half courtesy of Khalis Merah—only 18 years old—displaying the poise of a seasoned forward to net his first senior goal, sending the home crowd into a measured but unmistakable eruption.
Yet, the tenacious Greek side refused to surrender. In a remarkable display of resilience, Soualiho Meïté powered home a header from an out-swinging Živković corner to bring PAOK level at 2-2. Despite being a man down, their determination surged—a testament to their character and unity in adversity.
Late fireworks: redemption and a flourish
As the match entered its final act, tension rose sharply. Lyon appeared to have the perfect opportunity when Adam Karabec stepped up for a penalty, only to thunder his shot against the post. In a true narrative twist, Karabec’s moment of despair became one of redemption, as he responded just moments later by prodding home from close range in the 88th minute to put Lyon ahead once more.
With stoppage time ticking away, Alejandro Gomes capped off the evening with his first senior goal—sealing a 4-2 victory for Lyon and sinking PAOK to 17th in the league phase standings. The goals, the heartbreak, and heroics all unfolded beneath an atmosphere thick with emotion, where every cheer echoed the memory of those lost.
Key takeaways and fascinating highlights:
- Youth on Display: Lyon’s attacking trio—Himbert, Merah, and Gomes—all scored their first senior goals in one unforgettable night.
- PAOK’s Grit: Even down to 10 men and shrouded in grief, the Greek visitors mounted a spirited fight, a testament to their character.
- Football Unites: The pre-match tributes transcended rivalry, highlighting the power of football to bring people together in hardship.
- Last-Minute Drama: Karabec’s penalty miss and subsequent winner encapsulated the roller-coaster of emotions that define European nights.