Brazilian ace Giovane Elber gave three-time champions Lyon a perfect start to the 2004-2005 French season with a second-half goal which finally broke the side's two-decade search for an opening day victory.

A 1-0 win at Nice was the first successful season opener for the defending champions since 1981 and proved that Paul Le Guen's side are up for the challenge of a recordequalling fourth consecutive title, despite losing a host of players in the close season.

Cash problems had forced the champions to part with key players like Vikash Dhorasoo, Peguy Luyindula, Eric Carriere and Edmilson, but Le Guen did well to hold on to Elber who had been mulling a move back to Germany.

And the visitors took advantage of a howling mistake by Nice captain Jose Cobos late in the second half after the defender, in a bid to clear, headed the ball into the path of the Brazilian who volleyed into the net on 77 minutes.

Lyon, who were in the second division between 1983 and 1989, have had a 16-match drought of opening day winners.

Marseille and Saint Etienne are the only sides to have achieved the feat of four titles in a row.

Last season's UEFA Cup finalists Marseille are set to be one of Lyon's biggest rivals during the 2004-2005 campaign despite selling striker Didier Drogba to Chelsea.