Lyon start quest for sixth title with away win

Olympique Lyon began their quest for a sixth successive French title by winning 3-1 at Nantes in the kick-off of the 2006-07 Ligue 1 season on Friday evening.

Morocco midfielder Nourdin Boukhari opened the scoring for the home side from a free-kick on four minutes.

Teenage striker Karim Benzema equalised for Lyon a minute later by volleying home a John Carew cross.

Defender Sebastien Squillaci, who has joined Lyon from Monaco, put the visitors in the lead by heading home a corner after 63 minutes. Substitute striker Fred then wrapped it up from inside the box with two minutes remaining.

Lyon looked promising against a brave Nantes side despite the fact that the champions were missing no fewer than nine internationals who have only just returned from holidays.

"We beat a very good Nantes side," said Lyon coach Gerard Houllier. "We showed more composure when it mattered."

Club chairman Jean-Michel Aulas was equally satisfied.

"It was not easy," he said. "This match comes too early for us and we missed a lot of important players for it. Having won it is a relief."

Results

Nantes vs Lyon 1-3; Stade Rennes vs Lille 1-2; Auxerre vs Valenciennes 1-1; Nancy vs Monaco 1-0; Bordeaux vs Toulouse 2-0; Le Mans vs Nice 1-0; PSG vs Lorient 2-3; Lens vs Troyes 1-0; St Etienne vs Sochaux 1-2.

Today: Sedan vs Marseille (6 p.m.).