PARIS (AP) — Nantes and Lille failed to get a single shot on target during the first half of their French league game on Sunday, and then produced five goals in 15 minutes.
The goal bonanza at Nantes' La Beaujoire stadium ultimately rewarded second-placed Lille, which erased a two-goal deficit to prevail 3-2 and restore its four-point lead over third-placed Lyon in the fight for the second automatic Champions League spot.
Lyon beat Rennes 1-0 on Friday.
"They surprised us and we scared ourselves," said Lille forward Jonathan Bamba after scoring the winner in the 69th minute.
Nantes captain Valentin Eysseric put the hosts in front in the 54th from the penalty spot before Kalifa Coulibaly jumped higher than defenders to make it 2-0 with a header.
A turning point came when Rafael Leao replaced Luiz Araujo, as the Portuguese striker quickly pulled one back in the 68th.
Forward Nicolas Pepe equalized from the penalty spot before getting past Nicolas Pallois down the right flank to deliver an assist for Bamba, who scored in an empty goal in the 69th.
Eysseric had a golden chance to salvage a point for Nantes after Zeki Celik, who conceded the first penalty, committed another foul in the box. But the midfielder sent his spot kick over and was substituted in the next minute.
