Sulc Header Secures Narrow Victory for Lyon

Pavel Sulc emerged as Lyon's unlikely hero at the Groupama Stadium, his 52nd-minute header proving the difference as the sixth-placed hosts secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over relegation-battling Le Havre. The Czech midfielder's close-range finish from Afonso Moreira's cross was enough to separate two sides desperately needing points for vastly different reasons, with Lyon maintaining their push for European qualification while Le Havre remained mired in 14th place.

The decisive moment arrived seven minutes into the second half when Moreira whipped in a dangerous cross from the left flank. Sulc, perfectly positioned in the six-yard box, rose unmarked to plant his header into the center of the goal, giving Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw no chance. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home faithful, who had watched their team dominate possession without finding the breakthrough in a frustrating first half.

Lyon's superiority in midfield became evident as Corentin Tolisso and Tyler Morton controlled the tempo, while Clinton Mata and Hans Hateboer provided width down the flanks. Le Havre's defensive structure, marshaled by Gautier Lloris and Arouna Sangante, frustrated the hosts for long periods but ultimately cracked under sustained pressure. Moussa Niakhaté and Abner Vinícius stood firm at the back for Lyon, though both were tested as the visitors grew more adventurous.

The statistics told the story of Lyon's dominance, with the hosts enjoying 57.3% possession and registering 18 shots to Le Havre's 10. However, both sides managed just four efforts on target, highlighting the defensive solidity on display. Dominik Greif proved crucial in Lyon's goal, making vital saves from Mbwana Samatta in the 54th and 68th minutes to preserve his side's slender advantage.

The turning point came in the final 20 minutes when Le Havre threw caution to the wind, introducing fresh legs through substitutions. Noam Obougou's introduction nearly paid immediate dividends when his left-footed effort forced a fine save from Greif in the 81st minute, while Yanis Zouaoui's free-kick in the dying moments sailed just over the crossbar during four minutes of added time.

Lyon now face a daunting trip to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on December 17, where they'll need to channel this defensive resilience on the European stage. Le Havre, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they host SC Amiens on December 21, desperately needing points to climb away from the relegation zone.