The stage is set at Groupama Stadium, where Olympique Lyon, phoenixlike from first-season devastation, confront Le Havre, a club that's struggling for life with every ounce of will power. It's not a match—it's a story being told through determination, desperation, and pure footballing ambition. Lyon, coming high on the back of a Europa League thrashing, stroll in with swagger, blades honed and heads held high. Le Havre, battered but unyielding, cling to hope, their resolve hardened by a season of trial. The whistle is looming, and the air is electric with anticipation—will Lyon's firepower be too overwhelming, or can Le Havre pull off a miracle? Ligue 1 at its most dramatic, this is a tale of predator and prey about to unfold.
Claim Your Welcome BonusOlympique Lyon
Lyon's resurgence is a wildfire raging out of control in Ligue 1. Their most recent chapter—a 4-0 Europa League thumping of FCSB—featured Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah, each netting two goals, dance past defense with ruthless flair. With 66% possession, 18 attempts on goal, and a clean sheet for disciplinary offends, they were impenetrable, a symphony of power and precision. And now, with an xG of 2.45 threatening Le Havre, they're poised to do it again. Paulo Fonseca, the genius behind this comeback, has nothing to worry about injury-wise to spoil his plans. A sequence of LWWWW says it all—after a slip, Lyon have come back strongly, sixth-placed with 12 wins. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, having kept 12 cleans in 34, is their unbreachable shield, ready to turn aside any storm.
Le Havre AC
Le Havre's campaign is a gritty narrative of resistance in the face of adversity. Their latest yarn—a 1-1 draw against Saint Etienne—had Abdoulaye Touré's penalty saving a lifeline, a ray of hope against the gloom. With 46% possession and 13 shots on target, they struggled, but two cautions and nine fouls attested to their desperation. Against Lyon, their xG drops to 0.6, a dismal omen. Injuries haunt them—Fodé Ballo-Touré, Arouna Sangante, and Élysée Logbo are out—creating holes in a already weak lineup. Didier Digard's men, with a WLLWD record, are 16th, their 6 victories a testament to grit. Gautier Lloris, with 2 goals and an assist in 24 matches, is their unsung hero, a light in the darkness.
Head to Head
History is on Lyon's side, who hold a 16-12 lead over Le Havre from 35 encounters, with 7 draws interweaving the derby. Their last encounter—a high-scoring affair—saw Lyon take the win, a 3-1 victory at Stade Océane in January 2024, stopping their opponents' run. Le Havre's sole recent win, a 3-1 upset last term, is an annoying reminder, but Lyon's dominance—winning four of six since 2002—has a long shadow. At Groupama Stadium, Lyon's den, the scales once more tilt, their attack in the classics merciless on Le Havre's untested will. This game will be for fireworks, a war where past excellence meets present urgency.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Le Havre
Ligue 1 2024/2025
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2023/2024
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Le Havre
FC Lyon Latest Games
FC Lyon
Rennes
FC Lyon
FC Lyon
FC Lyon
Manchester United
Lille
FC Lyon
Le Havre
FC FCSB
FC Lyon
Le Havre Latest Games
Le Havre
AS Monaco
Le Havre
Rennes
Le Havre
Nantes
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Saint-Etienne
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Toulouse
Nice
Expert Betting Tips
Lyon to Win & Over 1.5 Goals (1.6 odds): Lyon's hot streak (LWWWW), a 4-0 Europa League shutout, and a 2.45 xG gulp Le Havre's shaky WLLWD run and 0.6 xG. At home, Lyon's record and historical edge (16-12) make this a banker bet.
Over 3 Goals (1.8 odds): Lyon's last game yielded four goals, and their home matches tend to erupt—43 of 50 with over 1.5 goals. Le Havre's six of seven breakdowns on defense combined with Lyon's offense hint at an explosive game.
Both Teams to Score - No (2 odds): Lyon's Lucas Perri has 12 cleansheets, while Le Havre's attack runs out of steam (one goal in four losses). With their frontline being hurt by injuries, Le Havre should find a blank against Lyon's stingy defense.
Other predictions
