Lyon missed out on a chance to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Lorient on Sunday evening.

The visitors were forced to come back from a goal down to rescue a point that keeps them two clear of Marseille in France's top division.

Lyon had Samuel Umtiti to thank for keeping it at 0-0 when he cleared off the line inside the first 10 minutes.

The leaders' best chance of the first half came when Nabil Fekir shot straight at the goalkeeper after going clean through on the half-hour mark.

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The home side took the lead six minutes into the second period when Jordan Ayew tapped home with what was virtually his first touch of the game from Benjamin Jeannot's cross.

However, Lyon restored parity with 12 minutes remaining when Henri Bedimo squared for Clinton Njie to score after good work from Yoann Gourcuff.

Lorient goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte then made an outstanding save to deny Christophe Jallet's deflected effort as Lyon pressed for the winner.

That stop proved to be vital as the hosts hung on for a surprise point to edge them further clear of the relegation zone.