Lyon drew level on points with Saint-Etienne with a late goal from Bafetimbi Gomis.
Alexandre Lacazette had the first chance of the match when his header was well-saved down low by Stephane Ruffier.
The Saint-Etienne goalkeeper then produced a magnificent save from Anthony Réveillère to keep the scores level.
However, Lyon's pressure finally told when substitute, and former Saint-Etienne youngster, Gomis scored in the 81st minute with a powered effort.
The striker paid tribute to former Lyon player Eric Abidal, who is suffering from liver cancer, by celebrating with a Lyon shirt with the Barcelona defender's name on.
