Lyon’s opening goal came after Palace failed to clear a near-post corner, allowing Corentin Tolisso to react quickest. The hosts then targeted the space around Palace’s defence, with Keito Nakamura repeatedly troubling the visitors before the interval.
That pressure produced a second goal in stoppage time. Tyler Morton released Nakamura with a precise pass, and the winger’s low cross was converted by Ernest Nuamah. Lyon therefore entered the break two goals ahead, having punished Palace’s set-piece defending and loose clearance.
Palace responded within five minutes of the restart. Adam Wharton’s free-kick created the opening for Yeremy Pino, who struck firmly to make it 2-1 and give the visitors renewed momentum.
The report says Palace looked capable of completing the comeback until Nakamura again supplied the decisive delivery. Sulc, introduced from the bench, produced a clever flick past Walter Benitez to restore Lyon’s two-goal advantage.
Daichi Kamada’s close-range finish later reduced the deficit again after Lyon failed to clear another attack. Palace pushed for an equaliser, but Lyon survived the closing spell.
For Lyon, Sulc’s impact highlighted the value of attacking depth, while Nakamura’s involvement gave their wide play a clear influence on all three goals. Palace’s response was encouraging, but conceding from a corner and then failing to clear in dangerous areas proved costly.
The next Europa League fixture will show whether Lyon can turn this reported victory into momentum, while Palace must improve their defensive concentration if Sage’s side are to build on their opening European win rather than repeat the late collapse seen in France.