Essien an instant hit with Lyon

LYON, France, July 26 (Reuters) - French champions Olympique Lyon scored twice in the first nine minutes to beat Cup winners AJ Auxerre 2-1 in the season-opening Champions Trophy match at their Gerland stadium on Saturday.

It was Lyon's second successive victory in the gala game following their 5-0 rout of Lorient last year.

Lyon's new Ghanaian recruit Mickael Essien marked his debut with the opening goal in the fifth minute, beating Auxerre keeper Fabien Cool at the second attempt after taking a pass from Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano.

Four minutes later, midfielder Mahamadou Diarra put Lyon two goals ahead when he rose at the near post to head home a free kick from the left.

Auxerre hit the woodwork several times before Olivier Kapo pulled a goal back eight minutes from time, turning home a cross from France striker Djibril Cisse.