Lyon at Meinau Stadium: Key Moments & History | OL Matches & Results

The Meinau Stadium holds a significant place in Olympique Lyonnais’ history, having been visited by the club more times than almost any other venue. On Sunday, at 8:45 PM, Lyon will make their 49th league appearance at this iconic ground. A look back reveals several pivotal moments that have unfolded within its walls.

On April 9th, Lyon secured a vital league win, navigating a tight contest to emerge victorious with a 1-0 scoreline thanks to a goal from Fleury Di Nallo, who finished the season with 18 goals. “It was never easy at the Meinau,” recalls the club’s all-time leading scorer. “There was a strong local identity with the Alsatians. You had to be solid.”

1976: Aimé Mignot Loses His Position

February 7th witnessed a humbling defeat for Lyon, as they were overwhelmed 5-0 at the Meinau, with Albert Gemmrich scoring twice. Following seven and a half years in charge, manager Aimé Mignot was replaced. While no one openly celebrated the change, the club had been waiting for an opportunity to appoint Aimé Jacquet, who was previously on a waiting list. Jacquet’s managerial career began amidst this difficult situation in Alsace.

1983: Two Broken Legs

May 20th proved to be a disastrous day for Lyon, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the closing minutes of the match. Relegation to the second division loomed large. Strasbourg’s Olivier Rouyer suffered a fractured fibula, and Lyon’s José Pasqualetti also sustained an injury, requiring a cast and a late-night car journey back to Lyon with a club official, Jacky Guieu. The match concluded with a brawl between Francis Piasecki and André Ferri, leaving 19-year-old Denis Gagneux, who had come on as a substitute for Lyon, questioning his purpose in being there.

1998: Caveglia Makes His Mark

January 21st saw Lyon surprise Racing (2-1), featuring players like Dacourt, Keller, and Baticle. Reynald Pedros (11th minute) and Alain Caveglia (31st minute) were the goalscorers for a team that foreshadowed a successful era. “It’s always a good match in Strasbourg, there’s a good atmosphere, but it’s not as hostile as in some other places. It’s a very good stadium to express yourself,” said Alain Caveglia.

2003: On the Road to the Second Title

On May 3rd, 2003, Lyon delivered a dominant performance at Strasbourg, winning 4-0 with goals from Anderson (4th minute), Carrière (60th minute), Luyindula (64th minute), and Violeau (79th minute). With three games remaining, Lyon held a two-point lead over Marseille, signaling a strong possibility of securing their second league title.

2022: Lyon Lose Lopes Before West Ham

This routine trip to the Meinau was intended to build confidence for Peter Bosz’s team ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second leg against West Ham. The 1-1 draw was overshadowed by an injury to Anthony Lopes (knee sprain) in the 30th minute. Lopes was ruled out of the match against the English side, with Julian Pollersbeck stepping in as his replacement, ultimately leading to a 0-3 defeat.

2023: Last Winning Play with Laurent Blanc

April 28th at the Meinau marked Laurent Blanc’s final victory as Lyon’s manager. His team, taking the lead through Sanson in the 15th minute, ultimately won 2-1 with goals from Lukeba (32nd minute) and Caqueret (36th minute). The team featured an unusual formation with three center-backs – Diomandé, Lovren, and Lukeba – and three defensive midfielders – Thiago Mendes, Tolisso, and Henrique, with Caqueret playing as an attacking midfielder behind strikers Lacazette, and Barcola.

Since then, Lyon has suffered two defeats at the Meinau, a stadium where they have been defeated 22 times, often due to a lack of character.