Montpellier 2-2 Olympique Lyonnais (2-4 on penalties): Lloris the hero as Les Gones clinch record seventh Trophee des Champions

Olympique Lyonnais clinched its seventh Trophee des Champions after beating 10-man Montpellier 4-2 on penalties in a highly pulsating encounter at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

John Utaka opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bafetimbi Gomis restored parity a minute before half time. New signing Emanuel Herrera converted a penalty early into the second period before Jimmy Briand again equalized with a superb volley with 15 minutes left to play.

Marco Estrada was sent off for a challenge on Yassine Benzia, as Alexandre Lacazette and Briand wasted a glorious chance to win it for Lyon late on. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Hugo Lloris was the hero as Lyon prevailed, saving from Henri Bedimo to win.

A rather turgid opening 15 minutes in the United States did little to enthuse the surprisingly sparse crowd inside the Red Bull Arena. Nevertheless, the first chance did eventually present itself, at the feet of the man who struck the decisive blow in the Ligue 1 title race in May.

After a sweeping attacking move from La Paillade, John Utaka cut in from his left before striking a powerful effort against the crossbar of Lloris as Remi Garde's men breathed an early sigh of relief.

Rene Girard's side were much the more adventurous outfit in the first half, a testament perhaps to Lyon's below-par preparations and turmoil. The fact became apparent again when Montpellier took the lead in the 27th minute.

A fine threaded ball towards Utaka on the left saw the Nigerian international take full advantage of questionable OL defending, dribbling nonchalantly past three defenders and rifle a sumptuous finish into the roof of Lloris' net for 1-0.

The leveler came a minute before half-time. Yoann Gourcuff's whipped cross met the head of Gomis, and the former Sainte man rose highest to equalize and frustrate the previously dominating Montpellier as the sides went in for the break.

The second half began in controversial fashion. A free kick from Marco Estrada struck the hand of Mahamadou Dabo and referee Jorge Gonzalez was unhesitating in awarding a penalty. Up stepped Herrera who struck with aplomb to restore La Paillade's advantage.

Reeling from the second setback, Garde's side again sought another opportunity, in which Fofana again let fly from distance, narrowly missing Jourdren's post. Lyon was in the ascendancy as the game wore on, with a Yoann Gourcuff effort being tipped over by the goalkeeper.

Lyon's persistent perseverance was rewarded, and in great fashion. A dipping cross from substitute Alexandre Lacazette was met by a delicious volley by Jimmy Briand who fired into the bottom corner. Montpellier was subsequently reduced to 10 men after Estrada was sent off for a poor challenge on Yassine Benzia.

A highly entertaining spectacle by this point, substitute Benjamin Stambouli forced Bakary Kone into a goal-line clearance before Lacazette spurned the biggest of chances to miss from an open goal and Briand to smack against the post with an acrobatic overhead kick in the last few minutes.

At the other end, substitutes Souleymane Camara and Gaetan Charbonnier combined to force Lloris into a world-class stop as the game ended 2-2. On penalties, Lyon made up for their APOEL heartbreak, as Bedimo's effort was saved by Lloris to clinch the trophy.

Montpellier commences the defense of its title against Toulouse on Ligue 1's opening night on Aug. 10. Lyon encounters Rennes a day later.

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