Defending champion Lyon extended their strong start to the French league season by defeating Troyes 2-0 at the Gerland stadium on Saturday. Cris opened the scoring with a headed goal before the 15th minute, finishing off a corner from compatriot Juninho Pernambucano. The Brazilian midfielder then sealed the result in the 87th minute, when his free kick deflected in off a Troyes defender.
Lyon, managed by Gerard Houllier, have now taken four wins from five matches to lead the table. The club will host Real Madrid in Champions League play the following Wednesday.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Lens routed Valenciennes 3-0, with Aruna Dindane scoring twice. Bordeaux edged Nice 3-2, with Jean-Claude Darcheville netting a brace. Bordeaux face Galatasaray in Türkiye on Tuesday in their opening Champions League fixture, and manager Ricardo said the team's aim is to return with a victory.
Auxerre beat Monaco 2-1 on goals from Benoit Cheyrou and Ireneusz Jelen, while Nantes drew 1-1 at home to Lille thanks to a Dimitri Payet equalizer. Marseille had a chance to pull level with Lyon at the top by facing Paris Saint Germain in a Sunday night derby.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.