Lyon tamed by Moussilou

By Chris Burke

Two goals from Matt Moussilou blew the Ligue 1 title race wide open on Sunday night as second-placed LOSC Lille Métropole inflicted Olympique Lyonnais's first defeat of the season to move within three points of the French champions.

Moussilou magic
Heavy rain, wind and even snow in the north of France could not get in the way of a breathtaking first half that exploded into life as early as the third minute when 22-year-old striker Moussilou took advantage of confusion between Brazilian defender Cris and Lamine Diatta to fire past Grégory Coupet. It was the first goal Lyon had conceded this year and Paul Le Guen's side reacted immediately, with Pierre-Alain Frau having a header cleared off the line and Lille goalkeeper Tony Sylva forced into a series of acrobatic reflex saves.

Lyon pressure
Le Guen threw forwards Bryan Bergougnoux and Nilmar into action in the second half and the latter almost pulled the visitors level when his goal-bound effort was blocked by Milivoje Vitakic. Sylva was then called into action again to turn away a Juninho Pernambucano free-kick, but it was Moussilou who found the target next, finishing off a counterattack on 69 minutes. Juninho brought Lyon back into the game from the penalty spot seven minutes later, but Lille held firm to bring Lyon's 22-match unbeaten run to an end and put themselves right back in the title hunt.