Lyon edged past Nice 2-1 at the Groupama Stadium despite playing 56 minutes with 10 men to shoot up the table as coach Rudi Garcia claimed his third win in four Ligue 1 games.
The home side, who lost to Garcia's former club Marseille before the international break, on Saturday moved up to fifth in the congested table having started the day 14th.
"Our team is young and need instructions," said Garcia, who replaced the sacked Sylvinho last month.
"The players are listening, they're progressing. We have lacked the decision making needed to attack better and I think that this victory can serve us well for the future."
"But the progression of our club has come from the ability to win matches without the favourite's tag."
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