Lyon roar past Nice

Olympique Lyonnais brushed aside OGC Nice to record a
5-0 victory at the Stade Gerland, a result that moved Paul Le Guen's side top of Ligue 1.

Slender advantage
The three points took the French champions above AS Monaco FC on goal difference at the head of the standings, although Didier Deschamps's team can return to the top with a victory at home to Le Mans UC 72 later on Saturday night. Olympique de Marseille, who also have 24 points, can also climb to the summit as they travel to FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Well-worked opener
Nice had the best defence in the French top flight before the game kicked off, having conceded just seven goals in eleven previous league games. They initially kept the home side at bay, but fell behind in the 25th minute as Juninho Pernambucano played a one-two with Péguy Luyindula before opening the scoring.

Significant spell
Midfield player Florent Malouda doubled Lyon's lead two minutes later, before Nice's task, already difficult, was made even harder as striker Romain Pitau was shown the red card a minute past the half-hour.

Decisive goals
The home side were quick to take advantage of the extra man, with Elber scoring a third six minutes before the interval, and fellow striker Sidney Govou made the score 4-0
two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first period.

Potential problems
There was a potential headache for Le Guen, however, as both Edmilson and Govou were replaced at the interval, while Luyindula was taken off five minutes into the second half ahead of Wednesday's trip to FC Bayern München in the UEFA Champions League.
 
Fine free-kick
Brazilian playmaker Juninho Pernambucano rounded off the win with 15 minutes left to play, scoring his second and Lyon's fifth with a fine free-kick.
 
Nantes chance
Fourth-placed Paris Saint-Germain FC take on RC Lens on Sunday, giving FC Nantes Atlantique the chance to temporarily move above them on Saturday as they visit Montpellier Hérault SC. RC Strasbourg go to Stade Rennais FC, SC Bastia play AC Ajaccio, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard visit FC Metz and Toulouse FC take on AJ Auxerre. Lille OSC's home game with EA Guingamp completes the Saturday programme.