An injury-time own goal by Bobo Balde saw Lyon claim a point at Valenciennes as they kept alive their bid for Champions League football.

Claude Puel’s side had gone ahead in the 16th minute through a stunning volley by Kim Kallstrom before the hosts struck twice in eight second-half minutes through Johan Audel and Renaud Cohade’s penalty.

Valenciennes were on the brink of victory but Balde chested the ball into his own net to give Lyon a point to leave them four points adrift of Lille, who occupy the second automatic Champions League spot, and two adrift of Auxerre in the qualifying place.

Puel’s team have a game in hand against Monaco on Wednesday before they conclude their programme against relegated Le Mans next weekend.

The visitors almost took a sixth-minute lead when Sidney Govou shot from close range but Nicolas Penneteau pulled off a stunning save.

Valenciennes were nestled in mid-table with little to play for but they were providing good opposition, Fahid Ben Khalfallah putting a snapshot inches wide.

However, it was Lyon who went ahead after 16 minutes, Swedish international Kallstrom firing a volley from the edge of the area into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

Foued Kadir had a shot blocked for Valenciennes but Lyon were inches away from doubling their lead when Ederson volleyed inches wide.

The hosts came out strongly in the second half, Siaka Tin firing powerfully inches wide before Kadir fired a shot in which goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pushed on to his own post.

However, Valenciennes’ pressure paid off in the 71st minute when they levelled through Audel, who headed home Ben Khalfallah’s corner.

Eight minutes later the hosts were ahead when Cohade sent the keeper the wrong way following his foul on Ben Khalfallah.

However, Lyon were gifted a potentially vital goal when Balde chested the ball into his own net right at the end.

espnsoccernet.com