Paulo Fonseca confirmed this monday that lyon will revert to the 4-3-3 system for tuesday evening’s showdown at groupama stadium (21:00 cets). The tactical switch comes after a lackluster display in prague, where the olympique lyonnais were outplayed in the first leg. With a must-win scenario looming, Fonseca emphasized the need to correct defensive positioning and inject more aggression into lyon’s game plan.

«We will return to a flat four-at-the-back setup to secure victory», Fonseca explained. «The issue in prague wasn’t the five-at-the-back formation per se, but rather our defensive positioning and lack of aggression in both penalty areas. Our wingers are now fully prepared—unlike duranville and boudache at the time. We know we can create chances against sparta prague, but our primary objective is to score first. Once we do that, it’ll be a fiercely contested match until the final whistle.»

Morton thrives in the 4-3-3 system

While Fonseca avoided framing the tie as a «revenge mission», he acknowledged the extra week of preparation as a crucial advantage. «Naturally, we’re disappointed with the first-leg result», he admitted. «The positive is that we have another match to turn things around. Winning would keep us in this competition and change the narrative.»

Tyler Morton’s tactical alignment

Tyler Morton, who thrives in the 4-3-3 setup, shared Fonseca’s confidence. «I love playing in this system», Morton stated. «It suits my style of passing. But more importantly, the key will be our aggression on the ball. We gave sparta prague far too much time and space in the first leg—they’re a good team for a reason. We never underestimated them, and now it’s our turn to show what we’re made of. I’m very confident.»

Key lineup decisions: Fonseca confirmed the return of Moussa Niakhaté in central defense following his suspension. The attacking trio of Ernest Nuamah, Loïs Openda, and Malick Fofana will spearhead lyon’s offensive push, aiming to exploit sparta prague’s defensive vulnerabilities.