Struggling Lille head into their Ligue 1 showdown with Lyon on Sunday with striker Dimitri Payet warning: ``Defeat is forbidden.''

Lille's patchy start to the season took a significant turn for the worse on Wednesday when they were beaten 3-1 in the Champions League by BATE Borisov.

The champions of Belarus had never previously won a group stage match in the competition.

Lille have won just once in Ligue 1 so far this season and last weekend they threw away two points when Troyes snatched a draw with an 88th-minute equaliser.

League leaders Marseille are already nine points ahead with Lyon seven points better off than Rudi Garcia's men.

``Defeat is forbidden,'' Payet said.

``If we manage to start the game well and play like we did in the second period against BATE, then maybe we will have a pleasant surprise.''

Lyon, in contrast, are in buoyant mood after beating Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, courtesy of second-half goals from Bafetimbi Gomis and Lisandro Lopez.

``I was really impressed by my team,'' said manager Remi Garde.

``I liked the intensity they showed when on the ball and the intelligence of my players.

``We created lots of chances against a team who were not just aggressive but were also well organised in defence.

``We didn't take enough of our chances, and that prevented us from being more relaxed at the end of the game but what I prefer to take away from the game is the control and commitment we showed.''

Lyon will be without defender Mouhamadou Dabo, who suffered a blow to the head last week, and playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.

Lille's Marvin Martin is struggling with an adductor injury suffered against BATE, while Salomon Kalou is suspended.