PARIS: Lyon moved provisionally out in front in the French league title race yesterday after a 3-0 home win over promoted Reims and after previous leaders Paris Saint Germain had slumped Saturday to a home loss to nine-man Rennes.
An Anthony Weber own goal on the stroke of half-time set Lyon, who won all of their seven league crowns consecutively between 2002 and 2008, on their way and Bafetimbi Gomis, who struck the winner for France in midweek in their friendly away to Italy, hit the clincher with 17 minutes remaining.
Argentinian striker Lisandro added the gloss with the third in the final minute with his fifth goal of the campaign.
The three points moved Lyon provisionally two points clear of PSG, who were lethergic in the extreme on Saturday in bowing 2-1 to a Rennes side who had Benoit Costil and Cameroon midfielder Jean II Makoun dismissed in quick succession but who held on after Julien Feret’s freekick before the reak proved to be the winner.
PSG were missing suspended Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic but coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose side have now dropped eight points from their past three games, said there could be no excuses.
“It’s incredible - we didn’t have a good attitude out there. Something will change - the attitude of the players will change. I am very annoyed,” said the Italian.
Yesterday, brought reports that the capital club, may be ready to jettison Javier Pastore, bought for 40m euros but who is woefully short of form. AFP
