PARIS: Troubled former giants Olympique Lyonnais beat Angers 1-0 in Friday’s Ligue 1 opening game to climb level on points with Paris St-Germain, who lead only on goal difference.

Condemned to relegation due to debts two months ago before a reprieve on appeal, Lyon won their first three matches, lost to Rennes in the last round, but bounced back on Friday with a dominant but narrow win.

Champions PSG remain top with 12 points but have a tricky away game at Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.

American midfielder Tanner Tessmann broke the deadlock for Lyon on 65 minutes when a corner was poorly cleared, clipping the ball home from the six yard line.

Lyon dominated the game and should have been further ahead before two late saves from their goalkeeper Dominik Greif secured the three points.

Such a scenario seemed unlikely in late June when the seven-time French champions, riddled with huge debts, were demoted to Ligue 2 due to their financial situation despite having finished sixth.

Rayan Cherki joined Manchester City for 36.5 million euros ($41m) and Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri left for Leeds United, meaning that Slovak Greif took over between the sticks.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2025