Monaco 2-1 Lyon: Falcao sends Ranieri's men top

Monaco went at least temporarily back to the top of Ligue 1 after beating Olympique Lyonnais 2-1 at the Stade Louis II on Sunday.

A stunning half volley by Mounir Obbadi put the hosts ahead in the first half and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao doubled the lead shortly before the break. Bafetimbi Gomis later on was able to bag a consolation for the visitors.

Obbadi made great use of a failed attempt by Anthony Lopes to clear the ball to safety after a corner kick in the 28th minute. The Morocco international was lurking outside the penalty area and picked up the rebound by unleashing a powerful half volley towards the visitors' net to put the home side ahead.

The 30-year-old was delighted with his strike. "I just caught it well and it went in," he told reporters after the match.

Nine minutes later, Falcao wrapped up a brilliant counterattack for Monaco by dinking clinically over a defender and the opposing goalkeeper.

The guests, however, were able to get on the scoresheet, even if a point evaded them, with Gomis finding the net with a header in the 62nd minute.

Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri was happy with his team's performance and took the time to praise his Colombian star as well as his side's ability to hold on to a narrow lead after the match.

"Falcao works hard for the team, he closes down, he holds the ball up," the Italian stated. "Everyone should try and play for him more.

"We did well to hold on to our lead. The important thing is to keep the ball and slow the game down."

Even though Monaco have leapfrogged Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, PSG will have the chance to reclaim the top position by beating Saint Etienne on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, Lyon drop down to 14th.
Via: Monaco 2-1 Lyon: Falcao sends Ranieri's men top