Juninho fires Lyon
Two-goal Juninho hailed Lyon's "test of character" as they came back from two goals to win 3-2 against Nice to take top spot in the French league on Saturday.
A Karim Benzema penalty four minutes into injury time earned the seven-times reigning champions the victory, putting them two points ahead of Marseille, who could only draw 1-1 at Bordeaux.
Habib Bamogo and Loic Remy had put Nice two goals ahead after the first 20 minutes, before goals from Juninho four minutes before the break and in the 74th minute, brought Lyon level.
A delighted Juninho said: "We were led 2-0 but we didn't panic. We continued to play and we created a good number of chances before finally winning 3-2. It was a test of character.
Bamogo, well fed by David Hellebuyck, got the better of Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris to find the net after just three minutes before Remy got the second on 20 minutes again making the most of a poor defensive performance with Brazilian centre back Cris still to get near his best form.
Juninho reduced the deficit in the 40th minute through a freekick and Benzema's introduction at half-time had given Lyon yet another boost.
Juninho saw a freekick headed on to a post by Mathieu Bodmer just after the break, before Benzema himself had three good chances to score.
Jean II Makoun also had two headed opportunities from corners and Brazilian Ederson saw an effort saved by Nice keeper Lionel Letizi.
Juninho then equalised in controversial fashion in the 74th minute, as the assistant referee had already signalled offside before going back on his decision to the chagrin of the away fans.
Nice fans were unhappy again in the fourth minute of injury time however when a penalty was given for a handball by Vincent Hognon, leaving Benzema to step up to the spot, fire home, and take the three points for Lyon.
Marseille coach Eric Gerets was disappointed after their 1-1 draw at Bordeaux in Saturday's late game.
Monaco had a 2-0 home victory at home to Lorient and thanked new South Korean summer recruit Park Chu-Young for scoring one goal and setting up the other at the Louis II stadium.
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