The entire game was turned on its head after the left-back was sent off for bringing down Lyon striker and captain Moussa Dembele late into the first half, when the former Celtic striker was through on goal.
With the Hammers having more work to do and even more ground to cover, striker Jarrod Bowen put them in-front at the start of the second half, giving David Moyes’s side something to hold on to.
However the French side piled on pressure and eventually West Ham caved in, with on-loan Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele scoring from close range to give the visitors the leveller almost mid-way through the second half.
In what was a spirited second-half performance, the Hammers can take pride and consolation in that they still have a decent chance of going to France and getting a result, having been able to hold Lyon to a draw despite the visitors having a numerical advantage.
For Lyon, they will feel that with their fans at home for the second leg, they should have enough to just get past their ambitious English opponents despite failing to take advantage of their possession and chances they created in east London.
There is no denying the fact that West Ham once again had to rely on their vociferous home fans to see them through the game, so here, we bring you some of the photos from the die-hard supporters at the London Stadium.
1. A pitch invader
A pitch invader was escorted after illegally forcing his way into the pitch | AFP via Getty Images
2. A West Ham United
Some fans engaged with the mascot ahead of the game | Getty Images
3. A West Ham United
Some fans arrived with their flags as the Hammers turned out In their numbers | Getty Images
4. A fan and his son outside outside
Families were present for the historic game | Getty Images