Gouffran goal sinks lethargic Lyon

PARIS, France -- Lyon did little to boost their confidence for Wednesday's decisive Champions League qualifier against Rangers when they went down 1-0 at Caen in Ligue 1.

Yoan Gouffran settled the issue after 18 minutes when he raced into the area to beat Remy Vercoutre.

Lyon, lethargic in the opening half, failed to raise their game after the break as they suffered their fourth league reverse of the season.

They need a win in Glasgow next week if they are to reach the last 16 of the premier European competition. A draw will suffice for Rangers.

With one eye on the tricky trip to Glasgow, Lyon coach Alain Perrin put vital players Juninho, Sydney Govou and Karim Benzema on the bench and handed Nadir Belhadj, Abdul Kader Keita and Milan Baros starting places.

Juninho, Govou and Benzema were all introduced into the action late in the game but were unable to turn the tide.

The six-times French champions still head the table on 37 points from 17 games but second-placed Nancy, held to a 0-0 home draw by Valenciennes, closed the gap to four points.

Le Mans moved into third, eight points off the pace, with a 3-1 triumph at Lens. Tulio De Melo struck after 23 minutes and Gervinho restored their lead five minutes into the second period, after Dindane's 44th minute leveler.

Substitute striker Antony Le Tallec rounded off Le Mans' win with an 89th minute effort..

Olympique Marseille prepared for their Champions League Group A decider against Liverpool with a 2-0 home win over Monaco.

Defender Julien Rodriguez opened the scoring with a header on 52 minutes after a volley by fellow midfielder Benoit Cheyrou bounced off the crossbar.

Midfielder and captain Lorik Cana wrapped it up when he headed home from a corner with 20 minutes remaining.

Marseille, recovering from a dismal start, climb three places up to 13th in the 20-strong table.

The 1993 European champions now welcome Liverpool on Tuesday and will reach the knockout stages of European club soccer's premier event if they win. They could also qualify with a draw, providing Besiktas do not win at Porto.

Liverpool will go through if they win in Marseille or if they draw and Besiktas beat Porto. E-mail to a friend