France round-up: Monaco maintain challenge

AS Monaco FC closed the gap on Ligue 1 leaders Olympique de Marseille to just two points with a 3-1 home win against AJ Auxerre.

Wins for top three
In Sunday’s only game, Monaco secured a two-goal victory that cemented their position in second place, with champions Olympique Lyonnais a further four points behind in third. Marseille had defeated Lille OSC 2-0 on Saturday, while Lyon enjoyed a 4-1 home victory against Stade Rennais FC.

Early advantage
Monaco sealed their third successive home win in style, taking the lead after 14 minutes through Croatian striker Davor Prso. The score remained 1-0 until just past half-time, but French international midfield player Ludovic Giuly doubled the home side’s lead five minutes into the second period.

Nonda scores again
However, Auxerre striker Djibril Cissé halved the deficit within five minutes, but Shabani Nonda’s 14th league goal of the season 16 minutes from time made the points safe for Monaco. The goal meant the Monaco striker moved just one goal behind FC Girondins de Bordeaux’s Portuguese striker Pauleta at the top of the league goalscorers’ chart.

No margin for error
The result left Auxerre in seventh place, but the situation at the top of the table was increasingly tight, with just four points separating third and tenth positions.