Lyon reach final with hard-fought win

Lyon have progressed to the final of the Coupe de la Ligue following a 2-1 win against Ligue 2 outfit Troyes.

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Lyon started well, controlling possession against their lower league opponents, and with 15 minutes played they broke the deadlock.

Alexandre Lacazette picked up Maxime Gonalons's pass and swept the ball into the back of the net.

The home side continued to attack and they doubled their advantage when Arnold Mvuemba's clever pass set Lacazette free, and he in turn played a through-ball to Jimmy Briand, who fired across goal. Bafetimbi Gomis was there to bundle the ball in.

However, Troyes got back into the match following a sustained spell of pressure. Lyon failed to clear a corner, which allowed Thiago Xavier to scoop the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

The hosts thought they had restored their two-goal advantage with an hour played, but Briand's header into the far corner was ruled out for offside.

Bakary Kone then poked a free kick into the net, but that was also chalked off for offside.

Troyes continued to put up a good fight, but were unable to find an equaliser.