Palace boss Sage ready for 'special moment' against former side Lyon

Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage called their upcoming Europa League clash with Lyon a "special moment" for him.

Sage previously managed Lyon between 2023 and 2025, guiding them to a runners-up finish in the 2023-24 Coupe de France.

Lyon and Palace have never previously faced off in any competition – the French side are winless in four Europa League games against English teams (D2 L2), with this their most recent meeting since a 5-4 extra-time defeat to Manchester United in April 2025.

Lyon are fourth in Ligue 1 after six games, most recently following up a 4-0 win over Rennes with a 2-1 defeat against Lens.

Sage, who saw his side defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Sunday, is wary of the threat his former side will pose at Groupama Stadium.

"I must say I feel a little bit that part of me is still in Lyon," he said at the pre-match press conference. "I still have a house here.

"Even though I'm in London at the moment, I still say I live in Lyon. I think the last time I was here was May 17. So for me, it's a special moment.

"Lyon have made a few changes from last season. I think that the first half they played against Lens is not up to par with what they've done this season.

"There were a few changes in the summer that were logical in terms of how they want to build this team.

"Their real game is what they showed against Rennes, for example. It's a team that loves to attack, they're a really strong side."

Palace won 4-0 on matchday one against Lech Poznan, despite facing more shots (17) than they managed themselves (16).

They were the first side to win by a four-goal margin despite having a negative shot differential since Molde won 5-1 against Hacken in October 2023 (17 shots, 21 faced).

Palace's only European meeting with a French team was in the Conference League last season, losing 2-1 to Strasbourg.