Lyon defeated PAOK 4-2 in Matchday 8 of the Europa League at the Groupama Stadium. With this result, the French side secured the top spot in the Europa League table after completing a solid and consistent campaign, gaining an advantage over its main pursuers and confirming its status as a favorite. The match began with Real Betis in control, as they dominated possession and showed determination from the start. In the 10th minute of the first half, Antony opened the score with a well-worked attacking move, finishing with precision to make it 1-0 and igniting the fans at La Cartuja. However, PAOK did not give up and found the equalizer in the 21st minute of the second half when Soualiho Meïté surprised everyone with a late run from the back to score, making it 2-2 and bringing drama back to the game. In the final stages, the fatigue of the Greek side began to show, and Lyon definitively tipped the scales. Earlier, in the 40th minute of the first half, Giannis Konstantelias was sent off for PAOK, leaving the visitors with ten men before the break. In the second half, Lyon made the most of its numerical advantage. In the 17th minute of the second half, Khalis Merah made it 2-1 with a well-elaborated team play that reflected the French team's dominance. The Spanish side maintained the intensity and struck again in the 32nd minute when Abde Ezzalzouli took advantage of a gap in the opposition's defense and extended the lead with a precise strike, closing a favorable first half for the home side. In the second half, Feyenoord came out with a different attitude and sought to reduce the deficit by pushing their lines forward. Then, in stoppage time, at the 48th minute of the second half, Alejandro Gomes sealed the definitive 4-2 score, unleashing the local celebration and confirming Lyon's leadership in the Europa League. Thus, Lyon closed a perfect night at home, with goals, authority, and the grand prize: finishing the competition at the top of the table. Real Betis defeated Feyenoord 2-1 at the La Cartuja stadium and secured third place in the table. The home team's goals were scored by Brazilian footballer Antony and Moroccan forward Abde Ezzalzouli. Lyon reacted with pressure and ball control, and managed to equalize in the 34th minute thanks to Rémi Himbert, who appeared in the box to connect a precise shot and make it 1-1. In the 20th minute of the first half, Giorgos Giakoumakis opened the score for PAOK, taking advantage of a defensive lapse and finishing with precision to momentarily silence the Groupama Stadium. Betis ceded ground, opting to manage the tempo and launch counter-attacks, while the visiting team pressed in search of a goal. The victory over the Greek side allowed Lyon to finish the round as the outright leader, benefiting from both its offensive power and the consistency shown throughout the tournament. For Feyenoord, the Danish attacker Casper Tengstedt scored the consolation goal. For PAOK, the goals were scored by Greek player Giorgos Giakoumakis and French midfielder Soualiho Meïté.
