Fri May 16 14:16:45 2008

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Lyon tries to hold off Bordeaux for one more week

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Auxerre, France (Sports Network) - Having won the last six Ligue 1 titles, Lyon was expected to cruise to a seventh championship this season, however they will have to earn at least a point on the final day at Auxerre to hold off second-place Bordeaux.

Lyon has typically wrapped up the league crown with weeks to play, but they have not been quite as dominate as years past, allowing Bordeaux to remain within two points heading into the final day.

Not since their first title in 2002 has Lyon failed to clinch the crown before the final day, putting a little added pressure on the team ahead of their match on Saturday.

Lyon led Bordeaux by nine points at the end of March, but they have been inconsistent since that time, allowing Bordeaux to steadily make up ground.

Alain Perrin's side owns a superior edge in goal differential, so a draw will be enough, but the coach has assured reporters that his team will be playing to win.

The French giants once again failed to make an impact in Europe, losing in the Round of 16 in the Champions League, but despite that disappointment, Perrin can still help Lyon make history by winning both Ligue 1 and the French Cup.

A win or a draw against Auxerre will be enough to capture the league, while the club will face PSG one week later in the final of the French Cup, giving them a chance for their first ever league and cup double.

While Bordeaux does not control its own destiny, manager Laurent Blanc has told his team to remain optimistic and acknowledges that it has been satisfying to push Lyon this far.

Not only does Bordeaux need help, but they must get it from a team in Auxerre that has nothing to play for. Auxerre has already secured its safety, while Bordeaux's opponents on Saturday, Lens, will be fighting for their life, one point from avoiding the drop zone.

The battle for third place will come down to the last day as well with Nancy leading Marseille by one point for the final Champions League spot.

Nancy will host UEFA Cup hopeful Rennes while Marseille should have a good chance at claiming all three points at home against relegated Strasbourg.

Lille will claim the other UEFA Cup place with a win at Lorient, while St. Etienne, which is one point back of Lille, will host Monaco.

Toulouse hosts Valenciennes needing a win to secure safety, while PSG will also be back in Ligue 1 with three points against Sochaux.

Le Mans visits last-place Metz and Caen invades Nice to round out the season.