Gourcuff strike keeps Lyon's hopes alive

Seven-time champions Lyon kept alive their hopes of a first Ligue 1 trophy in three years as they edged beaten League Cup finalists Montpellier 3-2.

France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, who had started on the bench, delivered the late winner. Lyon are in third place, five points behind new leaders Marseille.

Lyon had taken the lead at home to Montpellier with a stunning effort from Ederson, who was playing instead of Gourcuff, in the 22nd minute as he cut in from the left and fired in a rasping swerving effort that goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren could only help into the net.

However, the hosts were not able to hold onto their lead for long as six minutes later Montpellier levelled with the impressive Olivier Giroud running onto a deflected pass to slot the ball under Hugo Lloris's body.

Indeed Lyon were fortunate not to be going into half-time down 2-1 as with two minutes remaining to the first half, Geoffrey Dernis produced a delightful lob from outside the area. Dernis had Lloris beat, but the bar came to the rescue.

Lyon took advantage of this let off as they regained the lead in the 55th minute. Bafetembi Gomis passing unselfishly to Lisandro inside the penalty area and the Argentinian made no mistake to score.

However, the seven-time champions were pegged back again as Lloris saved well initially, but was beaten by a shot from substitute Souleymane Camara. There was to be a final sting, though, as Gourcuff popped up to tuck away the decisive goal.