The Meinau Stadium: A Historic Battleground for Olympique Lyonnais
The Meinau Stadium in Strasbourg has consistently proven to be a challenging venue for Olympique Lyonnais (OL), witnessing 49 league appearances by the club. Throughout the decades, the stadium has been the site of pivotal moments, heartbreaking defeats and crucial victories for the French football institution.
Key Moments That Shaped OL’s History at the Meinau
A Vital Win in 1968
On April 9th, 1968, OL secured a narrow 1-0 league win at the Meinau, thanks to a goal from Fleury Di Nallo. This victory was one of 18 goals scored by Di Nallo that season. The legendary player himself recalled, “It was never easy at the Meinau. There was a strong local identity with the Alsatians. You had to be solid.”
The Mignot Era Ends (1976)
February 7th, 1976, marked a low point for OL, suffering a crushing 5-0 defeat at the Meinau, with Albert Gemmrich scoring twice. This loss led to the dismissal of manager Aimé Mignot after seven and a half years. The club swiftly appointed Aimé Jacquet, who began his managerial career amidst this difficult situation.
A Day of Injuries (1983)
May 20th, 1983, proved disastrous, with OL losing 2-0 in the closing minutes. The match resulted in serious injuries: Strasbourg’s Olivier Rouyer fractured his fibula, and Lyon’s José Pasqualetti required a cast and a late-night journey back to Lyon with club official Jacky Guieu. A brawl between Francis Piasecki and André Ferri further marred the game, leaving a young Denis Gagneux questioning his role on the team.
Caveglia’s Positive Reflection (1998)
January 21st, 1998, saw OL surprise Racing with a 2-1 victory, with goals from Reynald Pedros and Alain Caveglia. Caveglia fondly remembered the atmosphere, stating, “It’s always good a match at Strasbourg, there is ambiance but it’s not imply like in other places. It’s a very good stadium to express yourself.”
On the Road to the Second Title (2003)
May 3rd, 2003, showcased OL’s dominance with a 4-0 win against Strasbourg, with goals from Anderson, Carrière, Luyindula, and Violeau. This victory positioned Lyon favorably in the league, two points ahead of Marseille with three games remaining, signaling a strong chance for their second title.
Lopes’ Injury Impacts European Run (2022)
A 2022 match at the Meinau saw OL lose goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to a knee injury in the 30th minute. This injury forced Lopes to miss the crucial Europa League quarter-final return leg against West Ham, which OL lost 0-3.
Blanc’s Last Victory (2023)
April 28th, 2023, marked Laurent Blanc’s final win as OL manager, with a 2-1 victory over Strasbourg. Goals from Lukeba and Caqueret secured the win for a team featuring a three-man central defense and midfield.
Recent Struggles at a Historic Venue
Despite these historical highlights, OL has recently struggled at the Meinau, suffering defeats in their last two visits. The stadium has proven to be a difficult ground for Lyon, with 22 losses often attributed to a lack of character.
FAQ
Who is Fleury Di Nallo?
Fleury Di Nallo is a former French footballer and the all-time leading scorer for Olympique Lyonnais.
How many times has OL played at the Meinau Stadium?
As of February 20, 2026, Olympique Lyonnais has played 49 league matches at the Meinau Stadium.
What happened in the 1983 match at the Meinau?
The 1983 match saw OL lose 2-0 and resulted in injuries to players from both teams, including a fractured fibula for Olivier Rouyer (Strasbourg) and a leg injury for José Pasqualetti (Lyon).
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