Nantes vs Lyon: High-Flying Gones Visit Relegation-Threatened Canaries
London, 7 February 2026 – Olympique Lyonnais travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire tonight to face FC Nantes in a fixture that highlights the contrasting fortunes of two Ligue 1 mainstays. While Lyon arrive in pursuit of their 12th consecutive victory across all competitions, the hosts find themselves mired in a relegation battle, sitting 16th in the table with just 14 points. The atmosphere in Nantes is expected to be tense, with reports indicating that the prominent ultras group, Brigade Loire, may withdraw their vocal support to protest the club’s recent form.
Form and Momentum
Lyon are currently the most in-form team in France. Under their current resurgence, “Les Gones” have climbed to 4th in the league standings with 39 points, firmly putting them in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot. Their recent record against Nantes is equally dominant; Lyon won the reverse fixture 3-0 in November 2025 and have secured four wins and one draw in their last five meetings against the Canaries.
In contrast, Nantes are struggling for survival. The hosts have lost six of their last seven Ligue 1 matches. Statistically, the gap is evident: Lyon have registered 100 shots on target this season compared to Nantes’ 59, reflecting the clinical nature of the visitors’ attack versus the defensive frailties of the home side, who have conceded 36 goals to date.
Key Facts: Head-to-Head and Season Stats
The historical data heavily favours the visitors, with Nantes managing only a handful of victories against Lyon over the last two decades.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| League Positions | Lyon (4th) vs Nantes (16th) |
| Historical H2H (Since 2003) | Lyon: 24 Wins | Nantes: 5 Wins | Draws: 9 |
| Last Meeting | Lyon 3-0 Nantes (November 2025) |
| Current Streak | Lyon: 11 consecutive wins (all competitions) |
| Goals Conceded (Season) | Nantes: 36 | Lyon: 20 |
| Venue | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
Team News
Lyon are expected to hand a start to Tyler Morton as they seek to maintain their winning momentum. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Abner are also expected to feature prominently in the matchday squad. For Nantes, Deiver Machado is set to return to the starting eleven, while loanee Abakar Sylla is predicted to start on the bench as the manager looks to solidify a defence that has struggled for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:05 UTC (21:05 local time) on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Where can I watch the match?
In the United Kingdom and internationally, the match is available via standard Ligue 1 broadcast partners and various live streaming platforms. Local coverage in France is provided by primary sports networks.
What was the result of the last match between these two?
Lyon defeated Nantes 3-0 in their previous encounter in November 2025.
Are there any major fan protests expected?
Yes, reports suggest that the Brigade Loire, Nantes’ primary supporters’ group, may remain silent during the match to protest the club’s poor run of results and precarious position in the relegation zone.