Lyon vs Nice: Can Les Gones Extend Their Remarkable 13-Match Winning Streak?

Lyon host Nice at Groupama Stadium on Sunday night as Paulo Fonseca’s side chase a sensational 13th consecutive victory across all competitions. While Les Gones eye a top-three Ligue 1 finish, Les Aiglons desperately need points to avoid their worst league position since 2015.

Lyon vs Nice Match Essentials

Lyon’s Historic Winning Run

What an extraordinary run for Paulo Fonseca’s men! Lyon arrive with six consecutive Ligue 1 victories, including last weekend’s hard-fought 1-0 triumph at basement club Nantes where Pavel Šulc scored his 10th league goal in just 19 appearances. The Czech midfielder has been sensational since his summer arrival.

Even more impressively, Les Gones haven’t dropped a single Ligue 1 point in 2026 and currently sit third, chasing their first top-three finish since 2018-19. Their home fortress remains impenetrable—eight straight wins at Groupama Stadium across Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Europa League since November 30.

The last team to leave with points? Paris Saint-Germain back in early November, winning a five-goal thriller. Since then, Lyon have been virtually unstoppable at their Décines-Charpieu venue.

However, Fonseca faces selection headaches. Real Madrid loanee Endrick is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Belgium international Malick Fofana nurses an ankle injury. Influential midfielder Corentin Tolisso—approaching 300 appearances in Lyon colors—remains doubtful with a hamstring problem.

Nice’s Mid-Table Mediocrity

What a disappointing campaign for Les Aiglons! Claude Puel’s side languish in 14th place, facing their worst finish since 2015 unless dramatic improvement arrives. Their defensive record makes grim reading—38 goals conceded in 21 matches, second-worst in Ligue 1 behind bottom club Metz (46).

However, recent signs offer hope. Nice are unbeaten in three Ligue 1 fixtures (W1, D2) since their humiliating 5-1 defeat at Toulouse on January 17. Last weekend’s goalless draw with Monaco marked their first clean sheet in any competition since late October—a significant psychological boost.

Fresh memories favor the visitors—goals from Melvin Bard, Sofiane Diop, and Hicham Boudaoui secured a 3-1 victory in October’s reverse fixture. But replicating that success at Lyon’s fortress appears monumentally difficult.

Injuries complicate Puel’s plans further. Boudaoui (back) is sidelined after scoring his only goal this season in October’s win, while former Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson remains doubtful with an ankle problem. Centre-back Bard won’t return from his groin issue until month’s end.

The Momentum Mismatch

The statistics tell a damning story. Lyon’s attacking prowess has delivered consistent results, with Šulc leading a talented frontline. Nice’s defensive fragility—just one clean sheet since October—suggests they’ll struggle to contain Les Gones’ creative forces.

Lyon’s only concern is complacency. Their dominance against mid-table opposition has been ruthless, but maintaining concentration for 90 minutes remains essential.

What’s at Stake

For Lyon, victory consolidates their top-three position and extends a winning streak that’s captured French football’s imagination. For Nice, even a draw would provide invaluable confidence and precious points in their battle to avoid finishing outside the top nine.

Expect Lyon’s superior quality, home advantage, and remarkable momentum to prove decisive in securing another comfortable victory.

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