France round-up: Lyon regain league leadership

A first-half header from Péguy Luyindula gave French champions Olympique Lyonnais a 1-0 victory against Olympique de Marseille and the Ligue 1 leadership on Friday night.

Victory trail
The first French league game of 2003 did not live up to its billing but saw Lyon, knocked out of the French Cup by fourth division opponents a week ago, return to the victory trail as Luyindula struck four minutes before the break. Lyon lead the standings on 36 points but three other clubs - OGC Nice, En Avant Guingamp and AS Monaco FC - have an opportunity to wrest top spot with victories on Saturday.

Meite injured
Lyon struggled initially to upset a solid Marseille defence, but a groin injury to Abdoulaye Meité in the 33rd minute seemed to upset the visitors, who led the standings going into tonight's fixture at the Gerland stadium. The champions then stepped up a gear and were rewarded when Luyindula pounced to head the only goal after Marseille goalkeeper Vedran Runje parried a Sidney Govou effort into his path.

'Fine performance'
Buoyed by the arrival of attacking duo Fernandão and Ibrahima Bakayoko, Marseille looked more threatening after the interval but Paul Le Guen's side held on for a crucial three points. "It was a fine overall performance and a logical victory," said the Lyon coach. "It'll be a close fight to the finish in this league, but the fact that we did not concede a goal can bring back some confidence to the defence."

'Promising future'
Marseille captain Frank Leboeuf was reflective in defeat, saying: "We're working for the future, and after games like this, I won't say the future is bright because we lost but it looks very promising."