Lyon’s mission: regain the podium

For Paulo Fonseca’s men, the task is clear: secure all three points against a Lens side already looking ahead to their Coupe de France final. A victory, combined with a slip-up from Lille at Auxerre, would hand Lyon their Champions League ticket without the need for playoff rounds. The Gones have shown impressive form at home, particularly in April where they rattled off four consecutive wins. Can they maintain that momentum against a disciplined Lens defense?

Lens: preparing for Nice in the Cup final

RC Lens arrive in Lyon with a sense of achievement. Despite a midweek loss to PSG, they are mathematically assured of a Ligue 1 runners-up spot. Their focus now is squarely on Friday’s Coupe de France final against Nice at the Stade de France. This Sunday’s match serves as a final rehearsal, though recent inconsistency may raise eyebrows. Pierre Sage will likely rotate his attacking talisman—Thauvin, Saïd, and Edouard—to avoid injury risks before the showdown in Paris.

Key absences and tactical adjustments

For Lyon: Defender Tessmann is out, but Mangala and young Himbert are set to return. Forward Yaremchuk and teenage sensation Endrick could be playing their final minutes in Lyon colors. Midfield maestro Corentin Tolisso remains the focal point, with 11 goals and four assists this season.

For Lens: Star striker Baidoo is sidelined for this match—and the Cup final—prompting Sage to reshuffle his defensive line with Antonio or Masuaku stepping in. The coach, who previously managed Lyon, will manage his squad carefully to avoid fatigue ahead of the high-pressure final.

Match details and TV broadcast

When: Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 21:00 CET
Where: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
Broadcast: Live on beIN SPORTS