UEFA rules out Lyon match probe

An investigation into potential gambling irregularities surrounding Lyon's 7-1 win over Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League found "no particular anomaly," France's betting watchdog announced Thursday.

Suspicions were aroused after the French side came from a goal down four minutes before halftime in Zagreb to romp to victory in the second half Wednesday night.

The improbable result saw Lyon leapfrog Dutch giant Ajax to qualify alongside Real Madrid from Group D to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Online gaming authority ARJEL confirmed that it carried out "checks" into the match.

"[Investigators] proceeded to examine betting patterns on the French market," the company said. "In the light of analyses carried out [Thursday] by the French regulator, no particular anomaly was recorded."

Lyon went into Wednesday night's game needing to beat Zagreb and see Ajax lose to Madrid to make the latter stages of the competition, while overturning a massive goal difference of seven.

While the French side netted goal after goal -- including four from French international Bafetimbi Gomis -- Ajax was beaten 3-0 in Amsterdam by the Spanish group winner.

The first three strikes from Gomis broke the record for the fastest-ever Champions League hat-trick.

Dinamo coach Krunoslav Jurcic was fired within an hour of Wednesday's result, which left the Croatians with no points from the six group games.