Bordeaux keep pace with leaders Lyon

PARIS, France -- Lyon stayed on course for a seventh successive French league title with a 4-1 defeat of struggling Sochaux but Bordeaux stayed in the hunt by thrashing Metz 3-0.

Bordeaux are just four points behind while third-placed Nancy stayed in contention with a last-minute 1-0 win over Toulouse, courtesy of a penalty.

Nice, in fourth, host Marseille on Sunday, while Monaco, in fifth, dropped points in a disappointing scoreless draw at home to Lille.

Bordeaux took the lead through a Fernando Cavenaghi penalty after 26 minutes.

Cavenaghi added the second in the 73rd minute and Alou Diarra scored the third two minutes from time in a scoreline that was harsh on Metz.

Lyon, who play Manchester United in the first knockout stage of the Champions League later this month, were comfortable winners at home against Sochaux.

Juninho's corner after two minutes set up Mathieu Bodmer to head the opener and Bodmer struck again after picking up a rebound from Juninho in the 76th minute.

Sidney Govou and Karim Benzema struck in injury time to improve the Lyon goal difference.

At the other end of the table, Paris St Germain were held 0-0 at home by Le Mans and with difficult matches to come are not safe from an improbable relegation. E-mail to a friend