Tottenham Hotspur-bound Hugo Lloris said an emotional farewell as Olympique Lyonnais went top of Ligue 1 with a 3-2 victory over Valenciennes on Saturday while champions Montpellier Herault claimed their first win of the season.
France goalkeeper Lloris, who joined Spurs on Friday, was given a rousing reception by the home fans.
“I wanted to thank you for my four years here. There are always great fans supporting a great club and Lyon will always need you,” Lloris told a packed crowd after striker Lisandro Lopez handed him a jersey saying ‘Thanks Hugo’ on the back.
Photo: AFP
Lyon have 10 points from four games, one ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille, while Valenciennes are fifth on seven points.
Playmaker Younes Belhanda inspired Montpellier as they won 3-1 at bottom club Sochaux-Montbeliard.
Belhanda, playing in his 100th Ligue 1 game, scored the opener from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after being fouled by center back Yaya Banana.
Montpellier doubled their lead when striker Emanuel Herrera took advantage of confusion in the Sochaux defense to tap the ball home on 59 minutes before Remy Cabella sealed victory. Sloan Privat was on target for the home team.
Montpellier are 12th on four points while Sochaux have yet to get off the mark.
At the Stade Gerland, center back Gil headed Valenciennes in front from a corner on 12 minutes but seven-times French champions Lyon hit back six minutes later.
Striker Michel Bastos fired the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau blundered and Bafetimbi Gomis quickly made it 2-1 from the penalty spot.
Lyon almost extended their lead when Alexandre Lacazette was narrowly off target and Gomis also hit the post.
The hosts finally made a third goal in the 66th minute thanks to Clement Grenier’s powerful shot from 25m.
Ex-Barcelona forward Ludovic Giuly shone as Lorient hammered AS Nancy Lorraine 3-0 to move up to third on eight points.
Giuly grabbed the opening goal and proved a constant menace for the Nancy defense.
AS Saint Etienne won 3-0 at Bastia while Toulouse were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw by promoted Stade de Reims.
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