Ligue 1 wrap: Lyon end Montpellier´s perfect start

Montpellier’s perfect season came to an end in a 2-1 defeat at Lyon, while Auxerre thumped Ajaccio 4-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Rene Girard’s side travelled to Lyon in good spirits with three wins from as many matches, including a terrific 1-0 away win at Lille a fortnight ago.

But they were not as impressive on the road this time, with Lyon coming out on top as they moved into second on the table.

Brazilian Michel Bastos laid on the opener for half-time substitute Miralem Pjanic and the goalscorer turned provider later on, when fellow substitute Jeremy Pied netted with seven minutes to play.

Pied’s goal came just moments after Montpellier had lost Moroccan midfielder Younes Belhanda to a straight red card.

Henri Bedimo pulled a goal back for the visitors to ensure a nervy finish, but it was Lyon who held on for victory.

Auxerre’s win came thanks to three goals in the last 15 minutes, with Burkina Faso’s Alain Troare bagging two of them.

Kamel Chafni’s 34th minute goal had been all that separated Auxerre and Ajaccio until the late blast, which was rounded off when substitute Anthony Le Tallec netted in injury time.

Goals in the last 10 minutes to Abdou Troare and Anthony Modeste gave Bordeaux a 2-1 away win at Valenciennes, while Lorient also pulled off a late show as they netted twice in the last 15 minutes to beat Nancy 2-1, with Yann Jouffre netting the winner in the first minute of stoppage time.

There was not as much excitement in store in Annecy as Evian lost 1-0 at home to Dijon, while Nice and Brest played out a goalless draw.