Loïs Openda: A Winner for Lyon Against Fenerbahçe

Loïs Openda is already making a significant impact at Olympique Lyonnais. The Belgian forward scored for his new team in their Europa League playoff first leg against Fenerbahçe, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Openda had a strong performance, narrowly missing a brace with a shot that hit the post in the second half. He has earned praise from his coach and teammates, who are counting on him to make the difference in the return leg.

With the departure of Endrick back to Real Madrid, Lyon may have found his ideal replacement in Loïs Openda. He shone against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League playoff first leg, scoring a well-taken header to give Lyon the lead before Mason Greenwood equalized. The 26-year-old striker, on loan from Juventus and previously a standout for Lens in the 2022-2023 season (42 appearances, 21 goals), has demonstrated that he has lost none of his scoring prowess.

'He Deserves It Because He Works Hard'

As a major contributor to Lyon's valuable draw in Turkey, Openda received accolades from his coach, Paulo Fonseca, during the post-match press conference. "I am very satisfied with Loïs's goal; he deserves it because he works very hard for the team. Defensively, he is also an important player for us. I think we are really satisfied with Loïs because he is a great player, and I believe he will be a very, very important player for us."

'He Truly Has a Winner's Mentality, That's What We Need in Our Team'

Fonseca's statement is particularly significant as Lyon prepares for their Ligue 1 opener and, more importantly, the decisive return leg of the playoff next Wednesday. While the coach has expectations, his teammates also recognize their reliance on Openda to break down defenses. Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso spoke to Canal+ after the match: "Loïs, before being a great player, is a top person. He adapted quickly to our group and on the field. What I like is someone who makes a lot of effort off the ball; it's very important. He truly has a winner's mentality, which is what we need in our team. He also has the talent; he managed to score a goal tonight, he hit the post, and he's very troublesome for opposing defenders. I am very proud to have him at OL, and I hope he has a very strong season and scores many goals."

'When I Scored, I Felt Like I Had Always Done It, I Haven't Lost That Feeling'

The player himself, speaking in the mixed zone, feels he is still some way from his peak form, although he expressed happiness at returning to scoring ways. "I think I can always do better. We must not forget that this is only my third game after a long month without playing. I am satisfied, but I know that, in fact, I can do better than this. However, the most important thing is qualification. I was talking to my wife earlier, and I told her that when I scored, I didn't realize I had scored. But when I scored, I felt like I had always done it; I haven't lost that feeling. Unfortunately, it's certain that since December 25th, there haven't been any goals. With today's goal, it's as if I had always scored and hadn't lost that goal-scoring instinct."

Regardless, OL will undoubtedly need Openda's instinct in eight days' time as they aim to reach the Champions League group stage.