Fred ignites Lyon celebrations

Olympique Lyonnais marked their record fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title in the best possible fashion, defeating Paris Saint-Germain FC 1-0 at the Parc des Princes. Brazilian striker Fred scored the game's only goal on 23 minutes, heading home a Juninho Pernambucano corner to extend the champions' unbeaten runaway from home this season. Lyon's dominance was not accurately reflected by the scoreline, but it might have been had Sidney Govou found the net rather than the woodwork late on.

Anti-climax
Overwhelming leaders for much of the season, Lyon's title was confirmed last night when second-placed FC Girondins de Bordeaux lost 3-2 to LOSC Lille Métropole. Despite their historic feat, celebrations may have been slightly muted by Lyon's elimination from the UEFA Champions League and the Coupe de France in successive weeks, leaving them just one trophy from a season that some thought could bring them a remarkable treble. With four matches to go, Lyon have 78 points, and are on target to shatter their previous record of 79, set last season. They have a 17-point advantage over Bordeaux. PSG stay eighth, but lose ground in the race for UEFA Cup positions.

Abardonado winner
Earlier on Sunday, OGC Nice ended Stade Rennais' run of eight consecutive league wins with a 2-1 victory on the south coast. Nice's on-loan forward David Bellion and Rennes striker John Utaka traded first-half goals, before defender Jacques Abardonado nicked the points in the dying moments of the game. The defeat sees Rennes drop out of the top three, with Lille replacing them in the final UEFA Champions League berth.