L'OM defeat Nice to move clear

Both sides started the night level on points at the top of Le Championnat but it is now Alain Perrin's men who have a three-point advantage over their opponents and Lyon in second spot.

Daniel van Buyten (pictured) gave the hosts the lead at Stade Velodrome on 45 minutes as the big guns locked horns.

Nice are this season's surprise package as they continue their title challenge against all the odds following promotion from Division Two last term.

Although Gernot Rohr's men battled hard, l'OM proved too strong for them and Dimitry Sychev secured the points with his goal four minutes from time.

Marseille's win was spoilt somewhat when Ivory Coast striker Ibrahima Bakayoko was sent off in the closing moments of the game.

Marseille lead Lyon by three points at the top of the league but Nice are by no means out of things and have already proved this term that they can bounce back from defeat.

Match summary:
Marseille v Nice