Lyon 2 – 1 Servette: Preseason Win Showcases Deep Squad for Les Gones

Olympique Lyonnais continued their summer preparations with a 2‑1 victory over Swiss side Servette on July 16, 2026. The friendly, played at Lyon’s training centre, allowed manager Pierre Sage to rotate his squad and test new tactical ideas ahead of the Ligue 1 season.

First‑Half Control

Lyon dominated possession from the start, with midfielders Maxence Caqueret and Nemanja Matić dictating the tempo. The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute after a clever combination on the left. Winger Ernest Nuamah cut inside and laid the ball off for Alexandre Lacazette, who swept a first‑time shot into the far corner.

Servette’s Response

Servette, preparing for their own Swiss Super League campaign, equalised just before half‑time. A counter‑attack caught Lyon’s high defensive line out, and striker Chris Bedia finished calmly after a through‑ball from Miroslav Stevanović. The goal exposed Lyon’s occasional vulnerability when pressing aggressively.

Winning Goal

Lyon regained the lead in the 58th minute through substitute Rayan Cherki. The talented playmaker collected a pass outside the box, dribbled past two defenders, and unleashed a curling shot that went in off the post. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underscored Cherki’s importance as a game‑changer.

Takeaways for Lyon

The match gave Sage a chance to evaluate several young players, including defender Sael Kumbedi and midfielder Mohamed El Arouch. With the Ligue 1 opener two weeks away, the 2‑1 win provided a positive result and valuable fitness minutes. Lyon’s attacking fluency was encouraging, though defensive transitions remain a work in progress.

Servette, meanwhile, showed they can compete against top‑tier opposition and will take confidence from their performance.