Lyon vs Lens: High-Stakes Coupe de France Quarter-Final Clash
LYON, 05 March 2026 – Olympique Lyonnais host RC Lens tonight at the Groupama Stadium in a highly anticipated Coupe de France quarter-final. With both sides currently occupying the top three spots in the Ligue 1 table, this knockout encounter represents a significant hurdle in the quest for domestic silverware.
Match Overview
The final spot in the Coupe de France semi-finals will be decided tonight in Décines-Charpieu. Lyon enter the tie looking to bounce back from a narrow 3-2 defeat against Marseille last weekend. Meanwhile, RC Lens arrive as Paris Saint-Germain’s primary challengers in the league, with manager Pierre Sage returning to face his former club in a match that pits the second and third-placed teams in France against one another.
Lyon’s preparations have been hampered by a significant injury list. The hosts will be without Allan Saint-Maximin, who has been ruled out of the quarter-final. They also remain depleted in attacking options, with Pavel Šulc, Afonso Moreira, Malick Fofana, and Ernest Nuamah all unavailable for selection. Recent signing Roman Yaremchuk is expected to lead the line for Pierre Sage’s side.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Lyon have held the upper hand in this fixture, though recent encounters suggest a narrowing gap between the two clubs. In their most recent meeting in August 2025, Lyon secured a 1-0 away victory, but Lens have proven resilient at the Groupama Stadium, winning on their previous visit in May 2025.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings (Since 2003) | 31 Matches |
| Lyon Wins | 16 |
| RC Lens Wins | 7 |
| Draws | 8 |
| Average Goals per Match | 2.69 |
| Last Meeting (16 Aug 2025) | Lens 0-1 Lyon |
Viewing Information
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:10 local time. In France, the game will be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1 and France 2. Fans can expect a tactical battle; while Lyon have scored two or more goals in five of their last six home matches, they have struggled to find the net before the 30-minute mark in their last seven outings at the Groupama Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake in this match?
This is a single-leg quarter-final in the Coupe de France. The winner will progress directly to the semi-finals of the competition.
Who are the key players missing for Lyon?
Lyon are missing several key attackers, including Allan Saint-Maximin, Pavel Šulc, Afonso Moreira, Malick Fofana, and Ernest Nuamah due to injury.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being held at the Groupama Stadium (Parc OL) in Lyon, France.
What was the result of the last match between these two?
Lyon defeated Lens 1-0 in their Ligue 1 encounter on 16 August 2025.