Lyon drops points in 1-1 draw away to Sochaux

PARIS (AP) -Lyon missed the chance to take advantage of Marseille's home draw and move provisionally top of the French league when it was held to a 1-1 draw away to struggling Sochaux on Sunday.

The draw for Lyon and Marseille's 2-2 stalemate at home to Nice earlier Sunday means that Paris Saint-Germain only needs a point away to defending champion Montpellier later Sunday to reclaim top spot.

Lyon took the lead in the 24th minute when midfielder Maxime Gonalons turned in Steed Malbranque's free kick.

Sloan Privat equalized in the 71st for Sochaux after running onto Ryad Boudebouz's excellent pass over the defense and finishing with a powerful strike.

Also Sunday, Bordeaux thrashed a woeful Lorient side 4-0 away from home to move up to sixth place.