Lyon held by enterprising Lorient

PARIS (AFP) –

Lyon’s French forward Bafetimbi Gomis (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Lorient (FCL) vs Lyon (OL) at the Moustoir Stadium in Lorient, western France. Lyon were prevented from climbing to second place in Ligue 1 after being held to a 1-1 draw at Lorient in an open and entertaining game at Stade du Moustoir on Sunday.

Lyon were prevented from climbing to second place in Ligue 1 after being held to a 1-1 draw at Lorient in an open and entertaining game at Stade du Moustoir on Sunday.

Lyon hit the woodwork twice before Bafetimbi Gomis volleyed them ahead in the 23rd minute, with Jeremie Aliadiere equalising early in the second half when he converted Benjamin Corgnet’s low cross following a slick move down the Lorient right.

The point means Lyon remain in third place, level on points with Paris Saint-Germain, while the impressive Lorient are now a point behind them in fourth, having extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

In the lunch-time game, Bordeaux preserved their own unbeaten record in Ligue 1 with a 1-1 draw at Brest that leaves Francis Gillot’s side in sixth place.

Top spot will be at stake later on Sunday when league leaders Marseille and second-place PSG clash at Stade Velodrome in the biggest match of the season so far.

It is the first time in 18 years that the eternal rivals will meet each other while they are in first and second place in the table.

Marseille lead PSG by three points but will concede their hold on first place if they are beaten.