28 August 2006, by Sean Gillen

Tiago stars in Lyon masterclass

Nice 1-4 Lyon

Tiago produced an inspired performance as Lyon came from behind to hammer Nice and move joint-top of Le Championat. The Portuguese midfielder scored one and played a major part in two others in a confident and measured team performance from the champions.

Lyon went in to the game fresh from beating title rivals Bordeaux last week, but had to come from behind to claim all three points at the Municipal du Ray. Although the visitors started the game confidently, they struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities. Nice’s Jacques Abardonado almost put through his own net, which was the closest the champions came to scoring in opening 25 minutes.

Nice took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark through a wonderful individual goal by Marama Vahirua. The Tahitian forward robbed Juninho inside his own half, before setting off on a 40-metre run that finished with an exquisite chip from the edge of the area, which beat Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet.

Lyon did not panic after the setback, and regained the initiative almost immediately, enjoying a long spell of possession in the 15 minutes before half time. Tiago, who has become a major goal threat for his side, smashed a shot off the crossbar as Lyon put pressure on the Nice goal before half time.

Tiago assist

Gerard Houllier’s men would have to wait until five minutes into the second half before getting their equaliser, and Tiago played a key role in the goal. The former Benfica man picked up possession on the inside-left of the Nice penalty area and carried the ball to the touchline before cleverly picking out Florent Malouda, and the French international fired Lyon level from 10 metres out.

The visitors continued to dominate possession, and their calm, patient buildup-play resulted in a second goal in the 70th minute. Poor defending from the Nice backline saw Malouda with time and space in the penalty area, and the winger lifted the ball over onrushing Nice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, leaving Karim Benzema to head into an empty net.

Tiago got his goal five minutes later, thanks to what appeared to be a rehearsed training ground routine from a set piece. Malouda’s free-kick from close to the touchline picked out Tiago inside the penalty area, and the midfielder side-footed past Lloris for his first goal of the season.

Table toppers

Tiago then won a penalty in injury time, with Nice defender Anthar Yahia falling to the ground and stopping the ball with his hand inside the penalty box. Benzema converted the spotkick for his second of the game to send Lyon joint-top with Marseille at the summit of Le Championat.

Tiago’s men resume their league campaign on September 9th at home to Troyes, before entertaining Real Madrid four days later in their opening Champions League group game.

Nice:
Lloris, Varrault, Kante, Abardonado (Yahia, 79), Fanni, Echouafni, Balmont, Vahirua, Rool, Bellion, Kone (Camara, 17 – replaced by Moussilou, 77)
Yellow Cards: Vahirua (21), Balmont (70), Rool (71)

Lyon:
Coupet, Reveillere, Abidal, Cris, Squillaci, Toulalan, Tiago, Juninho (Kallstrom, 46), Malouda, Wiltord (Clerc, 82), Fred (Benzema, 64)
Yellow Cards: Malouda (31), Tiago (45)

Goals:
[1-0] Vahirua, 27
[1-1] Malouda, 49
[1-2] Benzema, 69
[1-3] Tiago, 74
[1-4] Benzema, 90 (pen)