Olympique Lyonnais were frustrated for long periods by FC Nantes, but 19-year-old Gaëtan Perrin scored his first professional goal (83') before Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty (90+4') for a 2-0 win.
Olympique Lyonnais 2 - 0 FC Nantes 
Lyon had slipped off
the podium following Sunday's disappointing 2-2 draw with Stade Rennais, though
they were keen to make amends against a Nantes side who began the day just two
points and one place behind Les Gones in
sixth.
Rachid Ghezzal had a
chance to take his season goal-haul to six early on, but he saw his shot
deflect off Lorik Cana before crashing back off the crossbar (17'). Ghezzal
went from near-taker to near-maker soon after, but after sending the ball into
the Nantes box for Samuel Umtiti, he could only watch on as the big defender
headed narrowly wide (18').
Tolisso chance
Maxwel Cornet did well
to race past Youssouf Sabaly with half-time approaching, but after squaring the
ball for Corentin Tolisso the midfielder steered wide what should have been the
opening goal (34').
Despite being
undefeated in 15 of their previous 16 Ligue 1 games, Nantes rarely threatened
here, with defending the order of the day. Adrien Thomasson had their best
chance, though his 30-metre free-kick was pushed away by Anthony Lopes (59')
Left-footed Ghezzal
continued to threaten, cutting in from the right wing, and the recently capped
Algeria international had a near-carbon copy of his first-half chance, but this
time Nantes 'keeper Rémy Riou punched clear (65').
Late gamble
With time slipping
away Bruno Génésio threw on forward Perrin for midfielder Sergi Darder (82')
and the change paid off only a minute later. Yet again Ghezzal was involved,
this time seeing a shot deflected into the air by Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, and
Perrin was on hand to nod home his first Lyon goal (83').
There was still time
for the hosts to grab another. Yacine Bammou fouled Jordan Ferri in the Nantes
area at the death, referee Benoît Millo pointed to the spot, and Lacazette
stepped up to convert his 14th goal of the season, sending Riou the wrong way
to complete a 2-0 win.
