PSG keep Lyon at bay

By Chris Burke

Yepes dismissal
Just as in their last game at the Parc des Princes against Olympique de Marseille, PSG were forced to play almost 70 minutes with a numerical disadvantage. This time Colombian defender Mario Yepes was the man dismissed after he picked up his second yellow card in the 23rd minute, and coach Vahid Halilhodzic soon joined him, banished to the stands for protesting the decision.

Second-half chances
Lyon did not take advantage, and only went close after the break when Bryan Bergougnoux volleyed just over for the French champions, who then had goalkeeper Nicolas Puydebois to thank for saving a Pauleta shot towards the end as PSG finished strongly. PSG are now eighth, while Lyon extend their lead at the top to four points.

Sochaux victory
Meanwhile, Monaco's winless league run was stretched to eight games as they were beaten 3-1 at home by fourth-placed Sochaux. Before the match, Monaco striker Emmanuel Adebayor had said it was a question either of "victory or crisis" for his team, but without Javier Saviola and Ernesto Chevantón they were behind just after the half-hour following a goal from teenager Jérémy Menez.

Ilan clincher
On 63 minutes Wilson Oruma doubled Sochaux's lead, and although Adebayor quickly pulled one back, Ilan confirmed the victory eleven minutes from time. In contrast to Monaco, now in sixth place, UEFA Cup contenders Sochaux are unbeaten in eleven matches. The rest of the Ligue 1 programme is on Saturday.