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Monday March 23, 2009

Marseille dump Nantes to go top in France

MARSEILLE: Marseille took over from Lyon at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 home victory over Nantes on Saturday.

Marseille, who won with second-half goals by Argentinian defender Renato Civelli and Brazilian striker Brandao, provisionally lead the table on 55 points from 29 games.

Lyon, with a game in hand, are two points off the pace in third on goal difference with Bordeaux having won 3-0 at bottom club Le Havre with goals by Yoann Gourcuff, Souleymane Diawara and Wendel.

“I dare to say I have the title on my mind,” Marseille coach Eric Gerets told reporters. “I am delighted to see us at the top but I don’t think it will last. I don’t think Lyon will lose tomorrow. They will be back at the top of the table tomorrow.”

Marseille had to wait until a Renato Civelli header in the 55th minute to break the deadlock after a sluggish first-half. The Argentine defender scored from a free-kick by Boudewijn Zenden, who was an inspired half-time substitution.

The Dutchman set up the second goal three minutes later when Brandao capitalised on Zenden’s deflected cross to score his first goal at home since joining the Provence side in January. — Reuters

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