Ligue 1 round-up
Ajaccio, Strasbourg and Metz were relegated from Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Bordeaux effectively clinched second place in Ligue 1, while Ajaccio, Strasbourg and Metz were relegated.Les Girondins fell short of mounting a title challenge, but they have proved themselves better than all bar Lyon in France. They entertained Le Mans on Sunday and they grabbed a point which puts them nine points clear of Rennes, who have three games remaining.
Rennes have a mathematical chance of overhauling Bordeaux, but Les Girondins' goal difference is far superior.
Le Mans made the trip to Bordeaux intent on being party poopers and they led on 20 minutes through Ismael Bangoura.
Bordeaux fought back and Marouane Chamakh and Jean-Claude Darcheville found the target to spark the celebrations on the terraces.
Grafite scored for Le Mans nine minutes from time, but it is unlikely to be enough to prevent Bordeaux from taking second spot.
Lyon have once again been head and shoulders above the competition and they proved the point with a mauling of St Etienne, a victory which saw them secure a league points record.
Les Verts were the architects of their own downfall as Daniel Hellebuyck put through his own net on seven minutes. Fred netted a second before the break and second half goals from Juninho Pernambucano and Benoit Pedretti sealed another win for Lyon.
Metz, Ajaccio and Strasbourg came into the weekend knowing wins were vital, but all three suffered defeat and will be playing Ligue 2 football next term.
Basement boys Metz were beaten 1-0 at home by Sochaux who grabbed the win through Mickael Isabey.
Nice proved too strong for Ajaccio, with an early goal from David Bellion and brace from Bakari Kone proving the undoing of the home side.
Strasbourg's relegation was confirmed with a 3-1 home defeat by Nancy.
Hopes were raised of a survival push when Amara Diane scored on 16 minutes, but Elie Kroupe grabbed a 12-minute hat-trick before the break to sink Strasbourg.
Troyes claimed a 3-1 home win over Toulouse and are now safe for another season. Laurent Batlles fired the visitors in front, but Troyes rallied and second-half goals from Sebastien Dallet, Sebastien Grax and Ziad Jaziri secured a welcome three points.
Ernesto Chevanton popped up with a last-minute leveller as Monaco fought back to draw with Nantes who had led for a long spell through Aurelien Capoue.
Click below for a match summary:
Ajaccio v Nice
Bordeaux v Le Mans
Lyon v St Etienne
Metz v Sochaux
Monaco v Nantes
Strasbourg v Nancy
Troyes v Toulouse
