Second half goals from former Chelsea midfielder Tiago and French striker Sidney Govou gave Lyon a 2-1 victory over Marseille in Ligue 1 on Wednesday. Marseille, seventh in the table, were hoping to make up ground on the leaders, having won in Lyon two seasons ago and drawn the corresponding game last season. They certainly made the better start, Sabri Lamouchi finishing off a fine move involving new boys Toifilou Maoulida and Mickael Pagis in the nineteenth minute. Getting into rhythmLyon, chasing an unprecedented fifth straight French title, took time to get into their rhythm, relying on free kicks from their Brazilian midfielder Juninho to threaten the goal of Fabien Barthez. It was not until nine minutes into the second half that Lyon got back into the game.Marseille defender Bostjan Cesar was disposessed by Sidney Govou, Sylvain Wiltord pulled the ball back and former Chelsea midfielder Tiago stroked the ball home to make it 1-1. Spectacular blockGovou went close in the 67th minute for Lyon before Barthez produced a spectacular block four minutes later to deny substitute striker Fred from close range. Lyon were piling on the pressure, but as the clock ran down, it seemed a draw was inevitable until a defensive error of the highest order from Marseille centre back Frederic Dehu sliced the ball into the path of Sidney Govou and his spectacular volley flew past a helpless Barthez with seven minutes left. It proved to be the winner. Lyon's 15th victory of the season gave them 50 points from 21 games, fourteen points clear of second placed Bordeaux, who beat Auxerre 1-0 with a late goal of their own and replaced them in second spot. (AP)
Lyon beat Marseille 2-1
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