The China Mail - Marseille downed by Lille in Ligue 1 as Lyon's struggles continue

Ethan Nwaneri's first-half goal seemed to have put Marseille on course for a third straight win in the league as they look to consolidate the third and final Champions League spot.

But Belgian right-back Thomas Meunier struck back for seventh-placed Lille in the 49th minute to level matters at the Stade Velodrome.

Former Arsenal and France striker Giroud then netted his sixth goal of the season to send Lille in front inside the final five minutes.

The 39-year-old substitute headed in Meunier's cross to complete the comeback for fifth-placed Lille and move them to within two points of their opponents.

Defeat left Habib Beye's Marseille on 49 points, also just two clear of fourth-placed Lyon after the seven-time French champions went down 2-1 at home to Monaco.

The defeat compounded a miserable week for Lyon after they were eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday following a 2-0 defeat at the Groupama Stadium to Spaniards Celta Vigo.

Paulo Fonseca's charges are now without a win in their last six outings in all competitions.

Pavel Sulc sent the hosts ahead on 42 minutes but the principality side roared back courtesy of Maghnes Akliouche's leveller shortly after the hour before Folarin Balogun netted from the spot in the 72nd minute to move Monaco into sixth and within one point of Lyon.

They sit on 46 points, two clear of Rennes, who played out a goalless stalemate with bottom-placed Metz.

Elsewhere, Paris FC moved nine points clear of the relegation play-off spot with a vital 3-2 home win over Le Havre.

The capital side sit on 31 points, with Le Havre now four behind them in 14th spot.

T.Wu--ThChM