Olympique Lyonnais struck a cruel blow to Montpellier in the fourth minute of stoppage time to pick up three important points via a 2-1 victory at the Stade de la Mosson.The match was only five minutes old when the visitors took the lead. Michel Bastos would be a constant menace down the right and started the game in excellent fashion when he was allowed time to deliver an angled cross into the box that was converted at the back post by Lisandro Lopez, who had been allowed to wander away from marker Garry Bocaly.
After the interval Montpellier launched a charge at les Gones but were denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Hugo Lloris until Emir Spahic stooped to head home a corner kick from close range with little over 10 minutes to play.
La Paillade were the better side for much of the second half, but OL struck deep in stoppage time when Lisandro Lopez slammed home Timothee Kolodziejczak’s cross.
Lyon were dominant in the early stages, with the hosts looking distinctly nervous for the opening 20 minutes. Geoffrey Dernis did dribble a shot just past Lloris’ post and the midfielder wasted an opportunity on his weaker left foot when presented with a difficult chance due to the tenacity of Olivier Giroud in the box.
A series of half chances would be passed up by the hosts, who would suffer a couple of scares in the closing stages of period as Bafetimbi Gomis headed tamely at Geoffrey Jourdren, who would cradle a well struck Bastos free kick.
La Paillade would be the more confident side after the break, roared on by a passionate home support. Dernis had a free kick vigilantly blocked by Lloris, who would be stretched further when Karim Ait Fana’s curling shot from inside the box seemed likely to defeat the France international.
Seventy minutes were on the clock when Giroud got his first real sight of the OL goal. The former Tours man showcased his magnificent left foot when he snapped a shot viciously at goal from inside the box, though Lloris’ reactions from close range were impeccable.
Having drawn level, Montpellier certainly didn’t settle for one point and threw players forward in the closing stages of the game. Gregory Lacombe shot over from distance and Souleymane Camara had a close range effort cleared, while OL only threatened on the counter yet somehow snatched a dramatic late victory.
Three points will ease the pressure on general manager Claude Puel and promote Lyon into third in the Championnat standings. Les Gones might not be playing pretty football, but they’re starting to play effective football.
Having drawn level, Montpellier certainly didn’t settle for one point and threw players forward in the closing stages of the game. Gregory Lacombe shot over from distance and Souleymane Camara had a close range effort cleared, while OL only threatened on the counter yet somehow snatched a dramatic late victory.
Three points will ease the pressure on general manager Claude Puel and promote Lyon into third in the Championnat standings. Les Gones might not be playing pretty football, but they’re starting to play effective football.
