Lyon maintain title challenge
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Article summary
A 2-0 win against Le Mans UC 72 helped Olympique Lyonnais cut AS Monaco FC's Ligue 1 lead to four points.
Article body
French champions Olympique Lyonnais returned to within four points of Ligue 1 leaders AS Monaco FC with a 2-0 victory at home to Le Mans UC 72 in today's early-evening game.
Third title
Monaco had temporarily opened up a seven-point lead in the standings on Friday night after a resounding 4-0 win against Montpellier Hérault SC, but Lyon kept up the pressure and maintained their hopes of winning the league title for a third successive season.
Malouda heads in
Midfield player Florent Malouda headed Lyon in front in the 23rd minute, and the visitors' slender hopes were further dented six minutes before half-time when South African defender Thabang Molefe was sent off for a foul on Péguy Luyindula.
Govou goal
Luyindula made his debut for France in the midweek win against Belgium and it was another French international who wrapped up the win, striker Sidney Govou finding the net a minute past the hour.
Contenders in action
The win moved Lyon up to 50 points, four points clear of Paris Saint-Germain FC, who are at home to EA Guingamp later on Saturday. AJ Auxerre visit SC Bastia and FC Sochaux Montbéliard play at RC Strasbourg, also on Saturday, while Olympique de Marseille meet FC Nantes Atlantique in Sunday's game.
