Intro:

Lyon picked up a valuable home win on Saturday as the under-performing French side beat championship chasing Lille 2-1.

Ahead at the break, Lyon had to hang on after Dejan Lovren saw red 19 minutes from time.

Script:

Lyon have failed to get going this season.

The side may be more used to chasing championships than Europa League spots, but they knew three points at home to Lille were essential.

And the hosts got off to an excellent start.

Just 12 minutes in, Lyon broke down the left and Mouhamadou Dabo swung in a cross.

Alexandre Lacazette was the man in the middle - and he thumped in the header to open the scoring.

One became two before the break - Lille failing to clear their lines, and Lisandro Lopez easily placing his shot into the corner.

Not that it seemed to impress on-watching Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Things were looking bleak for the Northern France team, but they hauled themselves back into contention on the stroke of half time - defender Aurelien Chedjou showing he can operate at both ends of the pitch with a commanding finish.

And Lille were given a further boost in the 71st minute when Dejan Lovren lunged in - his second yellow, and Lyon down to ten men.

And the visitors had a golden chance to equalise but substitute Tulio De Melo didn't do his chances of starting the game much good - missing with the 'keeper going the wrong way.

It ended 2-1, giving Lyon a new boost in European football.

Whilst for Lille, their championship hopes may well be over.