Fred pushes Lyon six points clear

PARIS, France -- Brazilian striker Fred scored the only goal as six-time French champions Lyon beat Lille 1-0 in front of a record French league crowd of 75,000 at the Stade de France.

Fred was on target after 32 minutes of a tense encounter with a fine drive which gave Lille keeper Tony Sylva no chance sending Lyon six points ahead of Bordeaux, who face Paris St Germain on Sunday.

Lyon ended a disappointing run away from home with their first success on their travels since November 24, and also halted Lille's 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Lille had played at the venue three times previously, winning once - against Manchester United - and drawing twice in Champions League action, but currently they are only four points above the drop zone.

Pierre-Alain Frau went close to equalizing after the break, but Cris managed to get back to clear.

Lille then lost Frau, carried off colliding with Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet just before the hour.

Lyon coach Alain Perrin withdrew Karim Benzema, in favor of Hatem Ben Arfa but Lille raised their game in the final half hour.

The former Ajax and Barcelona man Patrick Kluivert, now 31, hooked an ambitious effort wide after 64 minutes fired another shot fizzing just wide two minutes from the end.

Benzema walked straight past his colleague when he was replaced by him and coach Perrin said: "They aren't the greatest of friends - it's a personal thing,"

But Benzema explained: "It's nothing to do with Hatem." He insisted he was just irritated at being asked to play to the left of his preferred central role.

"I don't like this position," said the 20-year-old.

Marseille went fourth with a 2-1 home win over Auxerre, former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse claiming the decider for his 10th league goal of the campaign.

Elsewhere goals were not plentiful third-placed Nancy saw two points slip in their goalless draw at Lorient. They are four adrift of Bordeaux.

Marseille leapfrogged Le Mans, beaten 1-0 at home by Strasbourg to complete a miserable week, after their league cup semifinal exit.

Lens, who beat Le Mans to earn a cup final with PSG on March 29 drew 1-1 at home to Toulouse which temporarily pushed the Parisians into the bottom four.

Monaco drew 0-0 at home to Valenciennes while Metz beat Caen for only their third win of the season although they are 13 points adrift at the bottom. E-mail to a friend