Lyon's stunning loss to Caen leaves title hopes hanging by a thread

Caen, France - Lyon's titles hopes were all but dashed on Saturday as the club sustained a surprising 3-0 defeat at Caen, which got two goals in the first half from Nicolas Benezet.

Following PSG's 6-0 victory over Guingamp on Friday, Lyon needed a win to remain within three points of the defending champions.

But Benezet struck twice in the final few minutes of the first half, and Slovan Privat added a third goal five minutes from time for Caen to complete the upset.

The loss leaves Lyon six points back of PSG with just two matches to play, while Lyon also has a bit of gap to close in the goal difference department as well, meaning PSG has all but clinched the title.

Lyon started well with leading scorer Alexandre Lacazette threatening on two occasions, but that is as good as it got for the visitors.

Benezet found the net in the 41st minute to put Caen in front when he tracked down a through ball from N'Gola Kante and calmly curled a shot past goalkeeper Anthony Lopes from 25 yards.

The duo of Kante and Benezet hooked up once again a few minutes later to put Caen up 2-0 as Benezet scored from the left side of the penalty area.

Caen goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre was called upon after the break to make saves on Clement Grenier and Nabil Fekir, who was denied twice by the netminder.

Kante continued his excellent match and a won a ball in midfield that led to the third goal with Privat finishing off the big win.