Lyon bounced back from their Champions League disappointment by taking another giant stride towards claiming a record fifth successive French title with a 2-1 victory over Nice.

The Ligue 1 leaders suffered a heartbreaking exit from Europe when AC Milan knocked them out of the quarter-finals with two late goals at the San Siro.

That was a cruel end to the club's European adventure but there at least looks sure to be happy conclusion on the domestic front with the title now almost within their grasp.

Saturday's home win over Nice combined with second-placed Bordeaux's goalless draw with St Etienne means Gerard Houllier's men are now 14 points clear at the summit with only five games remaining.

Looking to put their San Siro sorrow behind them as soon as possible, Lyon quickly gained the upper hand against Nice and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Fred.

The Brazilian striker, who had already tested Nice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the early exchanges, was quick to pounce after Lloris could only parry Tiago's shot back into play.

Sidney Govou had a chance to double Lyon's lead soon after but he blazed over after picking up a pass from Florent Malouda.

A goal then could have ended the game as a contest but Nice made the most of the let-off to draw level in the 37th minute, Ederson easily beating Gregory Coupet in the home goal after being set up by Cyril Rool.

That is the way the score remained until half-time but it took Lyon just seven minutes of the second half to re-establish their lead.

Malouda was the goalscorer as he volleyed the ball past Lloris after Fred had headed Anthony Reveillere's pass into his path.

That proved to be the winning goal although mid-table Nice had three chances to draw level in the final half-hour.

Mamadou Bagayoko was off-target with the first effort after Lyon's Claudio Cacapa had lost possession and then Anthar Yahia saw his 86th-minute header stopped by Coupet.

The final chance arrived in injury-time but Lyon defender Cris was able to make a last-ditch clearance to prevent Florent Balmont's shot crossing the line and in the process helping Les Gones move even closer to what seems sure to be yet another league title.