Real Madrid were denied a rare victory at Olympique Lyon when striker Bafetimbi Gomis struck late to earn his side a 1-1 draw in a cagey Champions League last-16 first-leg match.
Real looked on course to end a run of three successive defeats at the Stade Gerland when substitute Karim Benzema scored with almost his first touch against his former club midway through the second half.
But Lyon equalised seven minutes from time when the ball looped off a defender from a free kick straight to the unmarked Gomis who struck from close range.
Despite conceding a late equaliser, Real look well placed to reach the quarter-finals after going out of the competition in the first knockout round in the last six seasons.
"We got a useful and important result, finally putting an end to our bad run at this stadium," Real director general Jorge Valdano told Spanish television.
"The team played very well and it was an authentic European match with a lot of intensity.
"In the second half we could have run away with the game, including the possible penalty, but we got a very favourable result in the end.
"We have a team that inspires confidence, especially in the Bernabeu," he added.
Olympique Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis celebrates his goal against Real Madrid during their Champions League match at the Gerland stadium
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