By Shai Mamou
Sochaux-Marseille: 1-2
Even highly criticized on the quality of their game for a few weeks, Marseille is back. This win at Sochaux thanks to two splendid goals of André-Pierre Gignac (45′, 69′), the title holders make their way back in the third position of the league, even if Lille still have 6 points more and show temper week after week. Without being amazing, Marseille managed to answer Ideye first blow (44′) with a good Lucho and a midifield much more consistent and inspired than previously. The game versus Saint-Etienne this Sunday is absolutely decisive for the rest of Didier Deschamps team’s season. A win would be perfect for their confidence, a week before the Champion’s League top rende-vous versus Manchester United…
Saint-Etienne-Lyon: 1-4
Defeated for the first time in 16 years by their rivals during the first meeting this season, Lyon had their revenge and in a spectacular way. Yet the Greens had scored early by Carlos Bocanegra and his head (13′). But more skilled and consistent, the guys of Claude Puel reacted and did not let any chance to their neighbours. Gomis, a former player of Saint-Etienne, had one goal (40′), the unlucky Sall scored against his own team (27′), Bastos eliminated the keeper for the 1-3 (69′) and Briand scored from close range in the last minutes (90′). Lyon is still in the race too and places on the podium, waiting for any sign of weakness from Lille.
Lille-Toulouse: 2-0
Week after week, the Northernes play like potential champions. Even when they are not good, they find a way to score. This time, versus Toulouse, they dominated and were awarded for it just before half time thanks to another goal of the Ivory Coast striker Gervinho (38′). They finally made the break in the last minutes, when the Brazilian sub Tulio de Melo had his second goal in two weeks to close the game. It is now a key period for Lille. With 5 points more than Rennes, Eden Hazard and co can’t start to congratulate themselves and think they are already champions. There are 15 games left until the end of the season. But if they keep on playing this way, there is no reason they can’t reach what was not their primary objective at the beginnig of the season.
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Arles-Avignon-Montpellier: 0-0
PSG-Lens: 0-0
Nancy-Auxerre: 3-1
Monaco-Lorient: 3-1
Bordeaux-Caen: 1-2
Rennes-Nice: 2-0
Valenciennes-Brest: 2-0
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STANDINGS:
1 Lille 45 +20
2 Rennes 40 +9
3 Marseille 39 +13
4 PSG 38 +10
5 Lyon 38 +10
