Considering neither of these two sides are renowned for their defensive solidity, the opening stages were decisively quiet where chances were concerned.
Unsurprisingly it was European-chasing Lille who managed to assert their authority on the game, but as a mazy run from Edon Zhegrova opened up a shooting opportunity for the Kosovanm, Clermont stopper Mory Diaw was equal to his stinging drive.
Quality in the final third really was at a premium in the first half, with Gomes’ sliced shot from the edge of the area when he was afforded plenty of time and space just about summing up the fortunes of both sides in the first 45 minutes.
The second half followed a much similar pattern in its infancy, with Lille in the ascendancy, but it was Clermont who finally carved out a clear cut opportunity only for Elbasan Rashani to fire an effort narrowly over the bar from 12 yards.
Clermont were made to rue that missed opportunity just moments later, as Gomes jinked his way into the box only for his run to be abruptly ended by Mateusz Wieteska.
Gomes dusted himself off and confidently stepped forward from the spot to fire Lille into the lead with a little over 20 minutes to play.
Clermont introduced Muhammed Cham in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a point, but even the Austrian couldn’t muster a meaningful shot for Lucas Chevalier to save.
Failing to win isn’t an unfamiliar feeling for the hosts who slumped to a sixth successive winless game and insult was added to injury in stoppage time when Maximiliano Caufriez collected a second yellow card.
As for Lille, their bid for a top six finish is back on track, and Bayo’s stoppage-time strike was the icing on the cake to round off a near perfect evening.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Angel Gomes (Lille)