Lyon all but through

LYON are almost assured of playing in the group stage of this year’s Champions League after they recorded a thumping 5-1 win against Anderlecht in the first leg of their qualifying play-off last night.

Teenage midfielder Miralem Pjanic gave Lyon the lead after 10 minutes before Lisandro Lopez, signed from Porto last month, fired home a penalty with 15 minutes gone. Michel Bastos (39) and Bafetimbi Gomis (42) then struck in a four-minute period just before half-time to virtually end the tie as a contest. Matias Suarez gave Anderlecht some reason to cheer with a goal after 58 minutes, but Gomis ensured their joy were short-lived with his second of the game five minutes later.

Atletico Madrid hold the advantage in their tie against Panathinaikos after an entertaining 3-2 win in Athens.