Ligue 1: Lyon Snatch Dramatic Late Win Over Montpellier with Own Goal

Lyon climbed to fifth in Ligue 1 after a dramatic stoppage-time win over Montpellier, who were sunk by Khalil Fayad's own goal and remain six points from safety.

Lyon secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over Montpellier at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, thanks to an own goal from Khalil Fayad. This fortunate win marked Lyon's third consecutive Ligue 1 home triumph and prolonged Montpellier's dismal away form, as they remain without an away point in their eighth road trip of the season.

Montpellier traveled to Lyon with optimism, hoping the new year would bring a change in fortunes. Their positive start to the match was highlighted by Jordan Ferri's powerful right-footed strike, which rattled the woodwork and served as a warning to the Champions League-aspiring hosts.

Montpellier maintained their attacking momentum, posing a greater threat than Lyon for a significant period. However, the hosts eventually began to find their footing, with Ernest Nuamah's curled effort narrowly missing the far post. This marked the first time since November 1 that Lyon failed to score in the opening half of a Ligue 1 match.

The second half began with a major scare for Lyon, as Jordan Ferri expertly guided the ball into the bottom corner from Issiaga Sylla's precise cutback. Ferri, a former Lyon player, refrained from celebrating, and his restraint proved wise as the goal was ultimately disallowed due to an offside infraction in the build-up. Lyon received another reprieve when Khalil Fayad squandered a golden opportunity, blasting the ball harmlessly over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Montpellier's struggles in front of goal were exemplified by their profligacy, highlighting why they are the joint third-lowest scorers in Ligue 1. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately proved costly, as Lyon seized all three points in stoppage time with a helping hand from the visitors.

In a cruel twist of fate, Khalil Fayad's own goal sealed Montpellier's defeat, as he inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger during a goalmouth scramble. This heartbreaking loss encapsulated Montpellier's dismal campaign, leaving them six points adrift of safety. Conversely, Lyon's dramatic victory propelled them to fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed Lille.