Nice's hopes of ending second wrecked at Marseille

Nice's hopes of finishing second in Ligue 1 to clinch a place in the Champions League group stage were scuppered when they lost 2-1 at Olympique de Marseille.

The defeat left them in third place on 77 points, six points behind Paris St Germain, who have a far superior goal difference with two games remaining.

Marseille, who are fifth on 58 points, scored through Bafetimbi Gomis and Patrice Evra either side of a goal from Nice's Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

Leaders Monaco, who have three games left, have 86 points after they beat Nancy 3-0 away on Saturday.

Ligue 1

Why Kylian Mbappe or Neymar might leave PSG – reports

22/08/2018 at 22:22

PSG crushed Bastia 5-0 at Parc des Princes on Saturday but Monaco have a much better goal difference and will be virtually certain of being crowned champions if they beat Lille at Louis II next weekend.

Nice were already guaranteed a top-three finish, which brings a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

Olympique of Marseille' supporters cheer

Image credit: Getty Images

Marseilles's Gomis opened the scoring at the Velodrome with a near-post header from Dimitri Payet's corner in the 21st minute.

Balotelli equalised five minutes into the second half with a close-range effort only for Evra to restore OM's lead in the 66th with a diving header at the far post.

Earlier, fourth-placed Olympique Lyonnais came from a goal down to beat mid-table Nantes 3-2. (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Ligue 1

VIDEO: Neymar vows to become 'new man' over diving

30/07/2018 at 08:42

Ligue 1

WATCH: Neymar barges kid off ball after getting tackled at his own tournament

25/07/2018 at 10:33

Ligue 1

Alves: I'd come back tomorrow if Barcelona were to call me

24/04/2018 at 09:38