Lyon Beat Crystal Palace as Sunderland Snatch Late Europa League Victory

Lyon held off a late fightback from Crystal Palace to secure a 3-2 victory in the Europa League on Thursday, while Sunderland scored in stoppage time to defeat Portuguese side Torreense 2-1.

Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the standings with a 4-0 win over Lech Poznan, while AC Milan recorded an identical scoreline against Red Bull Salzburg, inspired by a hat-trick from teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse.

For Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, the defeat marked a disappointing return to his former club. The UEFA Conference League champions suffered their fourth loss of the season in all competitions after Lyon took control of the contest early.

Lyon opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes when Corentin Tolisso reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner and turned it into the net.

The French side doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Ernest Nuamah finished off a well-worked attacking move by converting Keito Nakamura’s cross, giving Lyon a comfortable lead at the break.

Palace reduced the deficit early in the second half through Yeremy Pino, who finished a cleverly executed set-piece routine. However, Pavel Sulc restored Lyon’s two-goal cushion with a close-range flick inside the final 15 minutes.

Daichi Kamada scored Palace’s second goal with nine minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish. Lyon nevertheless held on to secure their second victory in as many matches in the league phase.

Sunderland strike late to break Torreense hearts

Sunderland left it until the 93rd minute to secure victory against Torreense at the Estadio Municipal de Leiria, denying the Portuguese Cup winners a memorable result against Premier League opposition.

Torreense, who sit 15th in Portugal’s second division, took a surprise lead in the 37th minute. Centre-back Volnei Feltes shrugged off a weak challenge before unleashing a powerful shot from around 30 yards, leaving Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs unable to respond.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris introduced first-team regulars Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee shortly before the hour mark. The changes helped the visitors regain momentum, with Jules Ahoka scoring soon afterwards to bring the match level.

A lengthy video assistant referee review later denied Sunderland a late penalty. Torreense appeared close to earning a draw before Noah Sadiki struck in the third minute of added time to complete the comeback.

Leverkusen and Milan impress

Leverkusen followed their opening 2-0 victory with a commanding performance away to Lech Poznan. Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half, with Malik Tillman also finding the net before the break. Ibrahim Maza added a fourth late on.

Milan enjoyed a similarly convincing evening against Salzburg, with Cisse scoring three times before Goncalo Ramos completed the 4-0 win in the 72nd minute. Filippo Terracciano’s red card later reduced Milan to 10 men.

Real Sociedad drew 1-1 away to Union Saint-Gilloise after losing their opening match at home to Bournemouth.

Celtic were scheduled to visit Benfica, while Celta Vigo prepared to host Juventus. Bournemouth were also set to welcome Austrian side Sturm Graz at the Vitality Stadium, marking the Premier League club’s first European fixture at home in its history.