Maitland-Niles booed before kick-off, scorer in Lyon's comeback win

Ainsley Maitland-Niles enjoyed a redemptive evening at Groupama Stadium. Jeered during the pre-match lineup by Lyon supporters, the English defender bounced back by scoring the second goal in the club's 3-0 Champions League triumph over Sparta Prague.

After a poor showing in the first leg in Prague, where he was repeatedly beaten defensively, Maitland-Niles faced an uphill battle in the return fixture. The Groupama Stadium crowd made their feelings clear before kickoff. Yet in the second half—shortly after receiving a booking in the 54th minute—he was in the right place at the right time, heading home unmarked at the far post from captain Corentin Tolisso's low cross when Lyon held the numerical advantage (66'). According to L'Équipe, the British fullback looks likely to leave the club with just one year remaining on his deal.