France round-up: Lyon back in pole position
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Article summary
Olympique Lyonnais returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Article body
Olympique Lyonnais returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 win at home against Paris Saint-Germain FC on Sunday.
Three-point lead
AS Monaco FC had temporarily taken over at the head of the standings with a 3-1 win against struggling Montpellier Hérault SC, but Lyon's victory restored the reigning champions' three-point lead at the top with just two games left to play.
Significant win
The win was significant in more ways than one, as it secured Lyon a place in next season's UEFA Champions League because the three points ensure the team will finish at least third. Brazilian striker Sonny Anderson scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute, collecting a pass from Philippe Violeau and catching PSG goalkeeper Jérôme Alonzo off-guard with a powerful shot into the corner of the net.
Title favourites
Lyon were largely in control throughout the match, but were unable to find a second goal, missing a number of presentable chances. However, with games at Montpellier and at home to En Avant Guingamp on the final day of the season still to come, Paul Le Guen’s side look well-placed to retain their title.
