Lyon dominance continues

Lyon continued their dominance of Group I as they beat Hapoel Kiryat Shmona at the Stade de Gerland.

Lyon continued their dominance of Group I as they beat Hapoel Kiryat Shmona at the Stade de Gerland. Already guaranteed top spot after winning four of their previous five matches, Lyon were made to work for their win with home stopper Anthony Lopes needing to be in top form. Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr put Lyon in front early on before Yassine Benzia doubled their advantage in the second period. Michel Bastos and Benzia both went close early on, with the latter's effort parried away by Daniel Amos. Sarr headed a Bastos cross wide in the 11th minute and it was no surprise when the home side took the lead four minutes later. Bastos and Sarr combined again and this time the latter made no mistake as he headed home from inside the box. It took 25 minutes for the Israeli side to register their first effort on target but Ahmed Abed's effort was easily gathered by Anthony Lopes. Hapoel had a better effort a minute later but Shimon Abuhatzira's shot from close range was brilliantly saved by Lopes. And the stopper was called into action once again 10 minutes before the break, twice denying Shimon Abuhatzira. Lyon fought back and came close to doubling their advantage in the 43rd minute with Yoann Gourcuff's goal-bound long-range effort impressively tipped over by Amos. The Ligue 1 leaders did manage to go two up after 57 minutes with Benzia converting from close range. In stoppage time Wail Marisat somehow missed the target from close range as Hapoel exited the competition without a win to their name.