Lyon dream ended in Moscow

Parfenov, in white, scored the opening goal

The victory French club Olympique Lyon required against Russian side Spartak Moscow eluded them and resulted in their exit from the Champions League.

Lyon suffered a poor start when they fell behind after just four minutes.

Edmilson brought down Victor Bulatov in the Lyon area and, from the resultant penalty, Dmitry Parfenoz scores.

Sonny Anderson pulled one back from the spot for the visitors in the second-half but their efforts to get the vital winning goal ultimately proved in vain.

After the bodyblow of going behind and some more worrying moments for Lyon, the French team then began to impose themselves in the chilly conditions.

Held

They created their best chance of the opening half after 25 minutes.

Pierre Laigle put striker Anderson through onto the Spartak goal.

But the striker could not convert the opportunity with home goalkeeper Alexander Filimonov rushing quickly out to save.

A minute later, Steve Marlet headed over from close range for Lyon before Spartak held on until the interval.

Laigle was then wide with a long range effort after 50 minutes as Lyon pressed for an equaliser.

Edmilson had a tame shot comfortably saved before Spartak gave notice they were still a threat when Maksym Kalynychenko shot narrowly wide.

Marlet saw an effort importantly blocked by Spartak's Igor Mitreski but the home side could do little when the the visitors earned the goal that they had threatened.

Keeper Filimonov was punished for bringing down Anderson in the Spartak area and the striker picked himself up to score from the spot after 68 minutes.

Lyon substitute Sidney Govou the headed over as the visitors unsuccessfully tried to earn a winner.

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Spartak Moscow: Filimonov, Kovtun, Tchuisse, Baranov, Bulatov, Titov, Kalinichenko, Marcao, Parfenov, Robson, Mitreski. Subs: Levitsky, Khizaneishvili, Bezrodny, Pisarev, Lovchev, Irismetov, Bugakov.

Lyon: Coupet, Edmilson, Violeau, Marlet, Laigle, Anderson, Dhorasoo, Delmotte, Chanelet, Muller, Cacapa. Subs: Hugues, Loko, Govou, Foe, Malbranque, Linares, Brechet.

Referee:Kyros Vassaras (Greece)