Lyon’s flair seals victory over Real

FRENCH champions Lyon fired out a broadside at Champions League rivals on Wednesday, playing with considerable flair to outclass Real Madrid 2-0 in Group E.

The basis for Lyon’s win came in a startling first-half performance during which Cris, Sydney Govou and Florent Malouda ran the Real defence ragged, and the doughty Iker Casillas was peppered with nine shots on goal.

If it had not been for Casillas, Lyon really would have been out of sight but as it was Gerard Houllier’s men made the breakthrough in the 11th minute when Brazilian Fred beat Real defender Fabio Cannavaro on the turn and delicately chipped the ball over the head of the fast-advancing Casillas.