French Ligue 1 week 18 round-up

By Shai Mamou

PSG-Monaco: 2-2

Once again, Paris was convincing and impressive. But once again, Paris missed the chance to take the lead in Ligue 1 championship. On a more than ugly pitch of the Parc des Princes, the players of the capital conceded the draw in the last minutes of their game versus Monaco. Guy Lacombe’s team was one of the weakest in Ligue 1 until now but showed some courage and determination to avoid a catastrophic season ending. Once again, a player shone and played a tone above the others. Despite the goal of Puygrenier (32′), Nenê, the Brazilian wizard had two goals again and kept on proving he is the best man in France. A terrific volley (40′) and an amazing curved shot (52′) buried Monaco. Well, that is what the fans thought until the 88′ and a weird goal of Niculae after a foul on Sességnon. Paris can be disappointed but also is happy not to have the pressure of the leader, leaving it to Lille.

Marseille-Lyon: 1-1

The French media had called this top game the “Olympico”. Although, the fans of the Velodrome stadium saw two goals, the show was not as huge as expected. A little paralyzed by the stakes, both teams did not play their bast part on Sunday evening. Lyon coach Claude Puel had chosen to control the game and to block the attacks of Marseille. In lack of confidence, Marseille strikers could not found the nets and let Lisandro Lopez, the pitiless Argentinean, beat G.K. Mandanda before half time (35′). Courageous, Marseille fought back after the break and Valbuena was inspired to deflect the shot of Cheyrou and tie the game (51′). Three days before the last game of the civil year versus Brest, Marseille did not reassure their fans but still don’t give up the idea of keeping their trophy.

Toulouse-Lorient: 3-0

Montpellier-Auxerre: 1-1

Nice-Brest: 1-1

Rennes-Valenciennes: 1-0

Saint-Etienne-Arles-Avignon: 2-0

Sochaux-Bordeaux: 1-1

Lille-Nancy: postponed

Lens-Caen: postponed

Standings: