Lyon sink Nantes, Nice grab win

Lyon halted a run of six matches without a victory as they beat promoted Nantes 3-1 on Sunday in a battle of two of France's most decorated clubs. Nantes, who won the last of their eight French titles in 2001, took the lead on 24 minutes after Jordan Veretout headed in Issa Cissokho's cross. But Lyon, winners of seven consecutive French Ligue 1 crowns between 2002 and 2008, replied through Bafetimbi Gomis three minutes later as the striker ran onto Jimmy Briand's flick-on before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Remy Riou. Set-piece specialist Clement Grenier then demonstrated his prowess as he dispatched a superb free-kick beyond Riou to put Lyon ahead ten minutes after half-time. Briand then gave Lyon breathing space with a clever near-post back heel from a Grenier corner to hand Remi Garde's side their first win since mid-August. Elsewhere, Nice climbed to fifth after thumping lowly Valenciennes 4-0 to mark the inauguration of their new Allianz Riviera stadium in style. A penalty from Argentine striker Dario Cvitanich set the hosts on their way before Eric Bautheac added a second just before the interval. Second-half goals from Christian Bruls and Alexy Bosetti rounded off a memorable start for Nice in their new home. Earlier, Lorient fought back from two goals down at home to draw 3-3 with Bordeaux. A Cheick Diabate penalty was cancelled out by Lorient's Vincent Aboubakar but Bordeaux responded with goals from Gregory Sertic and Henri Saivet to move 3-1 ahead. Kevin Monnet-Paquet cut the deficit in half just prior the break before Sadio Diallo salvaged a point for Lorient. From: FIFA . Com