Giuly secures Monaco cushion

Two goals in a minute gave AS Monaco FC a 2-1 win at Olympique de Marseille and kept them six points clear of Olympique Lyonnais at the top of Ligue 1.

Marseille ahead
With all three of France's UEFA Champions League contenders in Friday night action, Lyon had a chance to halve the gap at the top. And it seemed they would have a chance when Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' gave Marseille the lead just before half-time.

Guily winner
But not long after the hour mark defender Sébastien Squillaci headed in Jérôme Rothen 's free-kick. And seconds later Ludovic Giuly embarked on a solo run that ended with a shot flicked into the goal - his ninth of the season, confirming a defeat at leaves Marseille in fifth, 12 points adrift of Monaco.

Lyon victory
Champions Lyon at least kept up the pressure as they overcame lowly FC Metz 2-1. However, the 17th-placed side took a surprise 22nd-minute lead when Florent Malouda crossed for Jonathan Jager to head in. But Péguy Luyindula equalised six minutes later, and just after the break Edmílson turned in Juninho Pernambucano's corner with his back to clinch the points.

Fixture programme
The rest of the Ligue 1 programme is on Saturday and Sunday, while on Tuesday Monaco play their final Champions League group game at home to AEK Athens FC knowing progress is secure. The same day Marseille need a draw against FK Partizan to earn a UEFA Cup campaign, while on Wednesday a home win for Lyon against Celtic FC would take them into the Champions League last 16 along with Monaco.