Winning start for French champions

Reigning Ligue 1 champions Lyon enjoyed a convincing start to the defence of their title on today with a comfortable win over Auxerre.

Led by former Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin, Lyon dominated from the outset and goals from ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros and Karim Benzema has seen them latch on to Valenciennes at the top of the early standings.