Lyon 4-2 Rennes: Endrick seals win as OL climb to third in Ligue 1

Key facts

• Lyon defeated Rennes 4-2 at Groupama Stadium on 3 May 2026.
• Mousa Al-Tamari opened the scoring for Rennes with a spectacular volley.
• Roman Yaremchuk equalized for Lyon in the 37th minute.
• Corentin Tolisso converted a penalty after Alfonso Moreira was fouled, making it 2-1.
• Esteban Lepaul scored his 19th Ligue 1 goal of the season to level at 2-2 in the 48th minute.
• Alfonso Moreira restored Lyon's lead in the 52nd minute after a Rennes error.
• Endrick sealed the win with a powerful shot in the 75th minute.
• Lyon now sit third with 60 points; Rennes remain fifth on 59 points.

Lyon overturn early deficit in pulsating contest

Olympique Lyonnais defeated Rennes 4-2 at Groupama Stadium on Sunday, a result that reshapes the battle for European places in Ligue 1. The visitors struck first through Mousa Al-Tamari, who produced a brilliant volley from a precise cross, leaving goalkeeper Dominik Grief with no chance. Lyon responded before halftime when Roman Yaremchuk headed home the equalizer in the 37th minute, igniting the home side. Fueled by that goal, Lyon pressed forward and won a penalty after Alfonso Moreira was brought down inside the area. Corentin Tolisso converted from the spot to give the hosts a 2-1 lead heading into the break. The match had already delivered two goals and the promise of more drama to come.

Second-half fireworks as lead changes twice

Rennes emerged from the interval with renewed determination and levelled the score just three minutes after the restart. Esteban Lepaul found the net in the 48th minute, recording his 19th league goal of the season and cementing his place among Ligue 1's top scorers. The visitors had erased Lyon's advantage, but their joy was short-lived. Lyon responded immediately. In the 52nd minute, a mistake in Rennes' buildup allowed Abner to deliver a precise pass into the box, and Alfonso Moreira finished with composure past Brice Samba to restore the lead. The Portuguese forward was one of the standout players on the pitch, involved in both the penalty and the goal that put Lyon ahead for good.

Endrick seals victory as Lyon manage the game

The match maintained a high tempo, but Lyon gradually took control of possession and managed the game more effectively. Endrick, the Brazilian forward, played an active role in creating constant danger and was rewarded for his efforts in the 75th minute. Receiving the ball near the penalty spot, he fired a powerful shot to seal the final 4-2 scoreline. Rennes pushed for a late response but could not break through Lyon's defense. Nordan Mukiele won a free kick on the left wing in the closing stages, but it came to nothing. The final whistle confirmed Lyon's fourth consecutive victory, while Rennes saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.

European qualification race tightens

With this win, Lyon climb to third place in Ligue 1 with 60 points, moving closer to securing an automatic spot in the Champions League league phase. They sit narrowly above Lille, who occupy the final automatic qualification place. Rennes remain fifth on 59 points, now occupying the Europa League position. The top three teams qualify directly for the Champions League, while fourth place enters the qualifying rounds. Lyon have now won six of their last seven domestic home matches in May since the 2022-23 season, with their only defeat coming against Lens in 2025. They have also maintained a clean sheet in eight home league matches this season, three of which have come in 2026. Rennes, meanwhile, have been formidable away from home under Franck Haise, winning their last four top-flight away matches and outscoring opponents 14-3 in that span.

Haise's unbeaten away run ends

Franck Haise took charge of Rennes in February and had a 100% record away from home until Sunday's defeat. The former Nice and Lens manager had guided the Brittany club to four consecutive away victories, but Lyon proved too strong. Rennes still have a chance to reach 60 points for the third time this decade if they collect at least four points from their remaining three league matches. Lyon, under Paulo Fonseca, appear to be peaking at the perfect time. They have a chance to equal their longest winning streak domestically this season with another victory at Groupama Stadium. The team have won two of their previous three home meetings against Rennes in this competition, including a convincing 4-1 triumph in the same fixture last season.

What lies ahead for both sides

Lyon will look to extend their winning run and solidify their hold on third place as the season enters its final stretch. With automatic Champions League qualification within reach, every point matters. Rennes, meanwhile, must regroup and focus on securing at least a Europa League spot, with the possibility of still climbing into the Champions League qualifying positions. The result underscores the fine margins in Ligue 1's European race. Lyon's ability to respond to setbacks — conceding first and then equalizing twice — demonstrated resilience. Rennes, despite the defeat, have shown they can compete with the league's best under Haise. The final weeks of the season promise further twists as both teams chase their continental ambitions.

The bottom line

• Lyon's 4-2 win over Rennes lifts them to third in Ligue 1, one point ahead of Lille and two clear of Rennes.
• Endrick, Alfonso Moreira, and Corentin Tolisso were key contributors for Lyon, while Esteban Lepaul scored his 19th goal for Rennes.
• Rennes' four-match winning streak ended, but they remain in contention for European qualification under Franck Haise.
• Lyon have won four consecutive matches and are peaking at the right time in the race for Champions League football.
• The result tightens the battle for European spots, with only three points separating third from sixth place.