Lyon leave it late at Lille
Friday, February 16, 2007
Article summary
Olympique Lyonnais warmed up for the UEFA Champions League resumption with a timely last-gasp 2-1 win at European rivals LOSC Lille Métropole.
Article body
Olympique Lyonnais warmed up for the UEFA Champions League resumption with a last-gasp 2-1 win at European rivals LOSC Lille Métropole on Friday.
Cabaye close
Lyon, who face AS Roma away on Wednesday, had lost each of their last five league visits to Lille and looked likely to leave with nothing again for much of the contest. After a first half of few opportunities, except when Yohan Cabaye hit the crossbar for the home side, the action stepped up after the interval. Lille were quickly in front, courtesy of Johan Audel's close-range strike but that only served to energise the visitors.
Houllier happy
With nine minutes to play, Brazil forward Fred levelled matters with his eighth league goal of the season from a free-kick. Then, in the 89th minute, Jérémy Toulalan fired in another set-piece that gave defender Sébastien Squillaci the chance to fire past Lille goalkeeper Tony Sylva, who will hope for better fortune when his side receive Manchester United FC on Tuesday. Lyon coach Gérard Houllier said: "It could be a turning point. My team had few opportunities and Lille would have deserved to draw. It was a perfect preparation for Roma game, at least mentally."