Lyon miss chance to motor seven points ahead in French league

PARIS (AFP) — Lyon, who are aiming for a fourth consecutive French league title, lost the chance to cruise seven points clear in the championship after drawing 1-1 in their rearranged match against 10-man Bastia.

Mickael Essien scored for Lyon after 19 minutes but Bastia's Pascal Chimbonda cancelled out the advantage four minutes after the break.

Lyon, who have topped the table since their 11th match, now have 49 points from their 24 matches, five ahead of second-placed Lille and seven ahead of Monaco who have a game in hand.

Bastia's Cedric Uras was sent off just after the break and at that point, Lyon were leading and well on top. However the Corsicans fought hard and equalised through Chimbonda to earn a point.

The match was ...