Portuguese giants Benfica have held off a near-remarkable comeback by France's Olympique Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Benfica cruised to a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Alan Kardec, Fabio Coentrao (2) and Javi Garcia (and four assists from Carlos Martins) before Lyon netted three late in the match to miss out narrowly in the Group B clash.

Kardec headed home in the 20th minute before Coentrao volleyed in just after the half-hour mark. Garcia made it 3-0 a few minutes before half-time when he nodded home and then Coentrao grabbed his second in the 67th minute with a brilliant lob over Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris from 20 yards.

But Lyon were not to be outdone as they hit back hard through Yoann Gourcuff in the 75th minute before Bafetimbi Gomis and Dejan Lovren netted in the last five minutes although it wasn't quite enough to salvage a point.

Benfica moved to six points after the win but remained in third place on the group table as Lyon stayed top on nine points after three earlier victories.

UEFA Champions League - Group BBenfica (POR): 4 (Alan Kardec 20', Fabio Coentrao 32', 67', Javi Garcia 42') Lyon (FRA): 3 (Yoann Gourcuff 75', Bafetimbi Gomis 85', Dejan Lovren 90')

Venue: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon Crowd: 62,000 Referee:Craig ThomsonYellow cards:BEN - Luisao 24', Javier Saviola 60', Roberto Gago 90' LYO - Miralem Pjanic 22', Dejan Lovren 24'