Lyon streak to victory
Friday, October 15, 2004
Article summary
Three first-half goals against SM Caen helped Olympique Lyonnais to the top of Ligue 1 with a 4-0 home triumph.
Article body
By Chris Burke
Olympique Lyonnais showed why many people are tipping them to claim a fourth Ligue 1 crown in a row with an impressive 4-0 Friday night win against SM Caen that takes them top by three points ahead of the rest of the weekend's action.
Midfield maestros
The talk leading up to tonight's game had centred around Lyon's stuttering home form, and Paul Le Guen's men quickly responded with three first-half goals from midfield. Malian international Mahamadou Diarra struck first, heading home a corner in the eleventh minute and Florent Malouda doubled the French champions' advantage five minutes later before Michael Essien added the third from close range just after the half-hour mark.
Frau penalty
When Pierre-Alain Frau capped his own fine performance from the penalty spot with 19 minutes remaining, Lyon were assured their first home win since August, and LOSC Lille Métropole must match that margin of victory at SC Bastia on Saturday for Claude Puel's side to re-establish their goal-difference advantage at the summit. For Caen, outplayed in all departments, this seventh defeat in eight trips to Gerland leaves them in 13th place.
