Alexandre Lacazette's second brace in as many games inspired Lyon to a routine 3-0 win over struggling Caen at Stade de Gerland this evening.
The France international bagged either side of half time before Yassine Benzia added a third to cement a victory which takes them to within two points of top spot.
Nabil Fekir had already forced Remi Vercoutre into a smart save when he was felled by Jean-Jacques Pierre in the penalty area on six minutes.
Lacazette stepped up to score his first of the night and 15th of the season, but the visitors responded well and threatened through Bengali-Fode Koita and Mathieu Duhamel.
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Chances were aplenty at both ends prior to the break as Lacazette headed wide and Fekir screwed off target following a quick Lyon counter-attack, while Koita shot straight at Anthony Lopes for Caen.
Two goals in the early stages of the second half, with Benzia converting from a Fakir cross on 62 minutes shortly after Lacazette had thrashed into the roof of the net, made the final stages comfortable for Lyon.
Lacazette was denied the opportunity to complete his hat-trick when he was substituted on 73 minutes, and saw Fakir squander a second spot kick which he had earned moments later.
Nevertheless, Hubert Fournier's side had already done enough for a third straight win which sees them firmly establish third place in Ligue 1, with a seventh winless game keeping Caen at the foot of the table.
Joe Fish
