Lyon survive late scare to move top of Ligue 1

Lyon moved to the top of Ligue 1 after coming from behind to beat Nice 2-1 on Sunday, with Pavel Šulc and Tanner Tessmann scoring in a three-minute spell before the hosts survived a late fightback.

Nice took the lead in the 18th minute when Elye Wahi converted a cross from Jonathan Clauss, punishing Lyon despite the hosts’ efforts to control the early stages at Groupama Stadium.

Lyon responded strongly, drawing level in the 33rd minute through Šulc, who reacted quickest after Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf failed to hold a shot from Johan Duranville.

The hosts completed the turnaround three minutes later when Tessmann rose to head home a delivery from Zachary Athekame, giving Lyon a 2-1 advantage before the break.

Nice improved after half-time and came close to equalising when Axel Witsel struck the crossbar with a header. Wahi later hit the post as the visitors increased the pressure in search of a second goal.

Lyon’s task became more difficult in the 70th minute when Keito Nakamura was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, leaving the hosts to defend their narrow lead with 10 men.

Nice continued to push forward and thought they had rescued a point in stoppage time when Wahi found the net again. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Lyon to hold on for a crucial victory.

The result lifted Lyon to the top of the Ligue 1 standings on goal difference, with the club joining a group of teams level on 14 points. Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, Paris FC and Monaco were also on the same points total.

Lyon’s fifth win in their last six league matches strengthened their early-season position ahead of a demanding run of fixtures, including a meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.

Nice, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities after pushing Lyon to the limit in the second half but failing to find a valid equaliser.