Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon continued their remarkable run of form on Sunday by securing a 13th consecutive victory in all competitions with a 2-0 win over Nice in Ligue 1.
Goals from captain Corentin Tolisso and new Danish recruit Noah Nartey gave Lyon their seventh league win in a row, solidifying their position in 3rd place. Les Gones are now 5 points clear of Marseille in 4th, while the gap between themselves and surprise leaders Lens stands at 7 points.
After the match, Fonseca was serenaded by Les Bad Gones, the premier branch of the support base. Visibly moved by their affection, Fonseca later admitted that the moment had a big impact on him, as he recently passed the landmark of one year in the job at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
"First, I have to say thank you so much,” said the former Porto and Braga boss. “It was a very special and moving moment. The fans’ tribute touched me deeply; it was hard to control my emotions. I wasn’t expecting it.
“I feel like we’re a family. With our fans, everything becomes easier. I’m speechless, just thank you. But this isn’t the end: we still have a lot to achieve in this league. This connection with the fans is very important.
Un grand merci à tous les supporters de l’OL ! Cette série de victoires est spéciale et n’est possible que grâce à votre soutien. Vous avez une place dans mon cœur ! ⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/aKkJZB1dGM
— Paulo Fonseca (@PFonsecaCoach) February 16, 2026
“The first half was difficult for us. There was pressure because we knew how important it was to win. The players were aware of the need for a result, which perhaps led to a lack of intensity and pace. We were a bit passive, but we scored at a key moment.
“In the second half, we managed the game better with the ball. Nice played very well; they’re a very direct team that created chances. They’re a good team that played a good match.
“But the most important thing is the three points. They are truly essential for us. The credit goes to the players: despite the numerous injuries, they work incredibly hard. The team deserves this momentum. We must continue like this, with humility, already thinking about the next match.”
Lyon’s run across all competitions has not only led them to a lofty league position. A place in the quarter finals of the Coupe de la Ligue was secured earlier this month: they will host Lens in the last eight on 5th March. In the Europa League, Lyon finished top of the league phase, meaning they await one of PAOK, Celta Vigo, Red Star Belgrade or Lille (Fonseca’s former club) in the round of 16.
y Sean Gillen
