Lyon well placed to reach group stages

LYON look set to advance to the group stages of the Champions League after downing Rubin Kazan 3-1 in their play-off first leg tie, although the French side needed to fight back from an early deficit.

Rubin enjoyed a dream start as Vladimir Dyadyun put them ahead after three minutes at the Stade Gerland. But Les Gones were level soon after through Bafetimbi Gomis, and an own goal from Solomon Kverkvelia just before half-time combined with Jimmy Briand’s 71st-minute effort gave them the victory.

Czech champions Viktoria Plzen are in an even better position after recording a 3-1 away win over an FC Copenhagen side who saw off the challenge of Shamrock Rovers in the previous round.