LYON, France - Bafetimbi Gomis and Bakary Kone led the way as Olympique Lyon swept past Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in a one-sided encounter to stay second in Champions League Group D on Tuesday.

Ligue 1 leader Lyon, playing in Europe's elite club competition for the 12th consecutive time, was simply too good for Dinamo, and goals from Gomis and Kone made sure it remained two points behind group leader Real Madrid.

"We had pretty much done what was needed at halftime. Hats off to the players, I am proud of them," coach Remi Garde said.

"It is going according to plan. Zagreb could not play their game because we defended very well and since we were strong offensively it was all good."

Lyon, which did not bring in any major signings during the close season, has been relying on youngsters and the policy is paying off.

Kone, who joined from Ligue 2 side Guingamp, has been impressive in central defense this season.

The 20-year-old Clement Grenier, groomed at Lyon's youth academy, has also been in sparkling form in midfield, showing he has what it takes to make up for Bosnian Miralem Pjanic's move to AS Roma.

Reuters

(China Daily 09/29/2011 page22)