MEMPHIS MAKES LYON PAY, ARE IN FRAY FOR CL BERTH
Paris, March 19: Memphis Depay’s last- gasp winner clinched Lyon a thrilling 3- 2 victory at Marseille on Sunday that kept them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Kostas Mitroglou looked to have snatched Marseille a vital point with an 84th- minute equaliser to make it 2- 2, but Depay showed great bravery to nod home in the final minute of normal time.
Bruno Genesio’s Lyon are now just two points adrift of their opponents in the race for the third and final Champions League spot, after following a six- game winless run with back- to- back victories.
Marseille had forged ahead in the 31st minute through Portuguese defender Rolando, but Lyon levelled as Adil Rami put through his own net before Houssem Aouar scored early in the second period.
Both sides clashed after the final whistle, with fights also breaking out in the tunnel as Marseille frustrations boiled over.
Both teams looked dangerous going forward early on, with Lyon forward Mariano Diaz seeing an effort spin narrowly wide of the far post, before visiting goalkeeper denied Dimitri Payet with a sprawling save.
Marseille dominated possession, but Lyon always looked a threat on the counter- attack and Steve Mandanda had to get down quickly to push away Bertrand Traore’s low drive.