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Bafetimbi Gomis’ late strike against his former club gave Lyon bragging rights again as they defeated derby rivals St Etienne.
The result saw Lyon climb to second in Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Bordeaux, while St Etienne remain in trouble and still looking for their first derby victory in 15 years.
The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and came within inches of taking a 15th-minute lead when Lisandro Lopez hit the post with a fierce shot.
St Etienne, who were missing swine flu victim Ilan, mounted a decent attack of their own five minutes later but Gonzalo Ruben Bergessio’s volley was kept out by Hugo Lloris.
At the other end Miralem Pjanic drew a good low save out of Jeremie Janot but Lyon were nearly behind on the hour mark as a grateful Lloris watched Bergessio’s effort smack the crossbar before gathering the ball.
The Argentinian was proving a handful for the OL defence and he brought the best out of Lloris shortly after with a firm header.
It was Lyon who began the second half better, with Pjanic again testing Janot from 20 yards, while Sidney Govou headed Aly Cissokho’s cross just over.
Dimitri Payet fired in a decent effort for the hosts but Lyon were firmly on top by now, with Lisandro the main dangerman.
The Argentinian hit the bar for the second time on the hour mark, this time via a superb save from Janot, while Jean Makoun was also denied by the keeper.
Gomis served notice of his threat with 11 minutes remaining when he seized on a mistake from Guirane N’Daw before firing over the bar.
And four minutes later he made no mistake, although Janot played a significant part in the decisive goal.
Kim Kallstrom’s corner found the keeper struggling at the far post and he could only push the ball out to the grateful Gomis.
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