TNT Sports
Leaders Lyon struggle
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Published 23/10/2004 at 22:48 GMT+1
French Champions League contenders had mixed fortunes on Saturday as Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon were held to a goalless draw at second from bottom Istres while Paris St Germain defeated lowly AC Ajaccio 1-0.
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After suffering a bad start to the season that took them to the fringe of the relegation zone, PSG confirmed they were on the recovery path.
Their morale boosted by a 2-0 win over European champions Porto on Wednesday, they dominated Ajaccio throughout.
Young midfielder Fabrice Pancrate headed their only goal after only 10 minutes but Pedro Pauleta had three clear chances and Danijel Ljuboja hit the bar in the second half.
The win takes PSG to 13th place on 13 points.
Lyon, who have not lost in all competitions since May, lead the standings with 23 points from 11 games but second-placed Lille will go top if they win at Toulouse on Sunday.
The French champions looked weary after their 3-1 Champions League win at Fenerbahce on Tuesday.
They only took control of the game after Istres were reduced to 10 men 15 minutes from time when defender Brahim Thiam was shown a red card for a foul on Brazilian striker Nilmar.
But Istres packed their defence and Lyon were unable to find a way through.
"Of course, it's a disappointment and it's a shame we didn't take the few opportunities we had," said Lyon coach Paul Le Guen.
"I think the Champions League took its toll tonight but we are so happy to play in it that we're not going to complain. The good thing is we still took a point and are still unbeaten."
Istres, who have not won since promotion and play home games in Nimes 70 km away, celebrated the draw as if it was a victory.
"To get a point from Lyon is splendid. Of course, they looked tired but I think we had the best of the game," said the club's sports director Frank Prioux.
Istres, however, dropped to bottom as Racing Strasbourg won for the first time this season, defeating Nice 3-1.
In a middle-of-the table match, Stade Rennes beat 10-man Metz 3-1 to celebrate the opening of their rebuilt stadium. Switzerland's striker Alexander Frei scored twice to claim top spot in the leading scorers table with seven goals.
Girondins Bordeaux scraped a 0-0 draw at St Etienne and stay sixth, one point ahead of Nantes who lost 2-1 at Caen.
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