Lyon have virtually secured their passage to the Europa League knockout stages with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao tonight.

Jimmy Briand scored an 86th-minute winner for the hosts as they claimed their third consecutive victory in this season's competition.

In a fairly even but uneventful first half, both sides had chances to break the deadlock.

Bilbao firstly forced a good save out of Lyon keeper Remi Vercoutre courtesy of Andoni Iraola's shot, while the Ligue 1 outfit twice went close through former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steed Malbranque.

Shortly after the interval, Lisandro Lopez gave Lyon the lead with a powerful header from Anthony Reveillere's cross.

Fernando Llorente's introduction off the bench seemed to awaken Bilbao as Ibai Gomez twice called Vercoutre into action.

The same player was on hand to pull Bilbao level with 12 minutes to play, but Lyon responded positively after conceding.

Batefemis Gomis missed a pair of good chances before Briand snatched Lyon all three points with a powerful close-range strike four minutes from the end.