Lyon beat Reims to claim top spot
Olympique Lyonnais climbed to top spot in Ligue 1 after they easily defeated Stade Reims 3-0 at home on Sunday.
An Anthony Weber own goal just before the break and two second-half strikes sent the seven-times French champions up to 25 points, two clear of Paris St Germain who lost 2-1 at home to nine-man Stade Rennes on Saturday.
Olympique Marseille are third behind PSG on goal difference and could become leaders if they win at seventh-placed Girondins Bordeaux later on Sunday. Reims are 13th on 15.
"I do not know for how long we will stay atop, if it will be two hours, two days, two weeks or two months," Lyon coach Remi Garde told a news conference.
"There is no point in hiding our ambitions or delight being top at the moment."
"But I prefer when we are here because it brings confidence. We just enjoy being there. We will keep the top spot if we deserve it."
Lyon dominated possession throughout the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances and were condemned to harmless long-range efforts.
They broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime after a great Anthony Reveillere effort in the box prompted centre back Weber to accidentally poke the ball into his own net.
Lyon kept control of the game after the break, without really threatening goalkeeper Kossi Agassa.
Bafetimbi Gomis, who handed France a 2-1 victory in Italy in their friendly on Wednesday, eventually doubled the lead with 17 minutes to go with a powerful volley after a Steed Malbranque cross had hit the crossbar. Lisandro Lopez wrapped it up late on.
Nice clinched a 1-0 home victory against Toulouse thanks to a second-half goal by striker Dario Cvitanich.
They climbed to 11th on 16 points while Toulouse, who have lost for the fourth consecutive time in all competitions, stay ninth on 19.
