Lyon captain Alexandre Lacazette stole the show at Ibrox with a stunning performance, scoring twice – including a sensational strike – as he and Malick Fofana handed Rangers a punishing 4-1 defeat in the Europa League.
The night started poorly for Rangers when captain James Tavernier missed an early opportunity, followed by an astonishing miss from Vaclav Cerny, who failed to convert from just seven yards. Moments later, Lyon seized control, with Fofana coolly finishing after a dazzling piece of skill and assist from Rayan Cherki.
Rangers responded almost immediately, equalising through Tom Lawrence, who netted his second goal in as many games.
The midfielder took advantage of Cyriel Dessers’ failure to convert after a poor header back towards goal by Corentin Tolisso. Unfortunately for Rangers, Lawrence’s evening was cut short as he was substituted at half-time due to injury.
Lyon, however, regained the lead before the interval when Belgian teenager Fofana pounced on a careless pass from Connor Barron. Fofana drove towards the Rangers area before squaring to Lacazette, who calmly slotted past Jack Butland.
The first half’s standout moment came in added time when Lacazette produced a moment of magic. Cutting in from the left, the Lyon skipper unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box, which flew across Butland into the top corner, leaving the home fans stunned.
Fofana added Lyon’s fourth goal early in the second half after another excellent contribution from Cherki. Lyon’s attacking threat was relentless, and they could have added more, with Duje Caleta-Car striking the bar and Corentin Tolisso’s header cleared off the line by Rangers substitute Neraysho Kasanwirjo.
The Lyon fans, enjoying their team’s dominance, taunted the Ibrox crowd by performing the Huddle – a celebration synonymous with Celtic – as the match drew to a close.
For Rangers, it was a humiliating defeat, especially after their fans had spent the week revelling in Celtic’s poor European form.
Meanwhile, Celtic will be eager to shake off their European woes when they face Ross County in Dingwall on Sunday, aiming to avoid a European hangover of their own.