Multiplex: Lyon falter in Europe push, Le Havre fight on for survival

The business end of the Ligue 1 McDonald's season delivered its share of twists and turns on Sunday, as Olympique Lyonnais lost valuable ground in the race for Europe with a 2-1 defeat to RC Lens, whilst Le Havre reignited their hopes of staying up with a crucial comeback win away at AJ Auxerre (2-1). In Brittany, Stade Brestois 29 edged past Montpellier HSC (1-0) to tighten their grip on a European spot.

Lyon 1-2 Lens: Les Gones stunned by long-range Zaroury strike

Lyon’s strong recent form came to a halt at the Groupama Stadium as Pierre Sage’s side fell to a clinical RC Lens. The home side dominated possession and chance creation but found themselves behind when Ange-Yoan Koyalipou pounced on a defensive mix-up to put Lens ahead on 21 minutes.

Georges Mikautadze finally rewarded OL’s pressure with a well-placed header in the 79th minute, but just as Lyon looked to push for victory, Anass Zaroury stunned the stadium with a magnificent 30-metre strike into the top corner five minutes from time. The defeat leaves Lyon’s European hopes hanging by a thread.

THE Stat: 

OL have reached the 10-defeat mark in Ligue 1 McDonald's for the fourth consecutive season — the first time that's happened in the last 30 years.

Auxerre 1-2 Le Havre: Sanganté's header gives HAC hope

It was a do-or-die afternoon for Le Havre in their survival mission, and Luka Elsner’s men delivered under pressure. After trailing to a solo effort from Lassine Sinayoko (62’), Le Havre responded brilliantly through Bayo Soumaré’s header from a corner (77’). The winner arrived in stoppage time when Arouna Sanganté nodded home after a teasing cross from Emmanuel Mwanga. The result lifts Le Havre four points above the drop zone and just one behind 15th-placed Nantes, reigniting their bid to remain in the top flight.

Brest 1-0 Montpellier: Del Castillo makes the difference

Stade Brestois ended a run of three games without a win to move up to ninth in the Ligue 1 McDonald's table. Pereira Lage found Mahdi Camara at the near post in the early periods of the game, and the midfielder flicked a lovely ball for Del Castillo to slot past Lecomte. 

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