Lyon climbed to fourth in Ligue 1 after a 2-1 win against Brest, who had a player sent off early, as Abner Vinicius scored the decisive goal.
LYON climbed into Ligue 1’s top four with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Brest on Sunday.
Brazilian defender Abner Vinicius scored what proved to be the decisive goal just before half-time.
The win allowed Lyon to jump above Lille in the standings after Lille lost to Paris Saint-Germain on Friday.
Paulo Fonseca’s side now sit two points behind third-placed Marseille.
Surprise leaders Lens remain 10 points clear of Lyon and one point ahead of champions PSG.
Brest’s task was made harder when forward Romain Del Castillo was sent off in the 19th minute for a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico.
Lyon capitalised on their numerical advantage four minutes before half-time through Pavel Sulc.
Sulc finished brilliantly from a tight angle after rounding Brest goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert.
Abner Vinicius doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a powerful strike from outside the area.
The goal was set up by his compatriot Endrick, who was making his league debut after joining on loan from Real Madrid.
Brest pulled a goal back late on through substitute Junior Dina Ebimbe.
Lyon held on to secure three important points in their push for European qualification.
In Sunday’s other fixtures, Paris FC eased relegation worries with a 2-1 win at Nantes.
Substitute Luca Koleosho scored the winner for the capital club, who moved five points clear of the relegation play-off spot.
New Strasbourg coach Gary O’Neil enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Metz in his first league game in charge.
Sixth-placed Rennes were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Le Havre
