Lyon secure crucial win against Rennes in Champions League battle to climb into third place

The match carried huge stakes as the victor would take control of the race for a UEFA Champions League position next term creating a charged vibe at the Groupama Stadium.

Supporters of the home team watched their players control the ball in the opening stages yet fell quiet shortly after the sixth minute due to a moment of magic from Rennes.

With little threat evident a long diagonal ball from Esteban Lepaul found Musa Al-Taamari in stride but the Jordanian striker amazed all with a stunning volley from outside the penalty area that nestled in the top corner.

Lyon pushed for a response but grew irritated as various deliveries and free kicks failed to connect properly in the danger zone until a thrilling reversal unfolded towards the end of the first period.

The equalising effort came courtesy of a curling delivery by Corentin Tolisso whose whip and trajectory allowed Roman Yaremchuk to simply direct it beyond Brice Samba.

The turnaround finished soon after as Al-Taamari shoved Afonso Moreira inside the area prompting Tolisso to convert the spot kick firmly into the net.

The team from Lyon held onto that advantage at halftime though it evaporated quickly post interval when the identical Rennes duo struck once more.

On this occasion Al-Taamari served as the creator delivering a smart pull back that Esteban Lepaul finished with some help from a ricochet marking his 19th goal in Ligue 1 this season.

However Lyon stayed resilient and regained the upper hand on 52 minutes via an excellent pass from Abner ideally weighted for Moreira to slot home on his second goal in three outings.

Rennes introduced substitutes around the 70 minute mark appearing set to chase parity but got exposed by Lyons decisive fourth strike.

The locals had thrived throughout via intense pressure high up the pitch and benefited once more as Tolisso located Endrick enabling the loanee from Real Madrid to smash an effort up into the goal.

This result may prove decisive in pursuing Champions League qualification for the coming year with Lyon now occupying third spot and just two fixtures remaining while Rennes trail by four points in fifth.