Olympique Marseille boosted their Champions League hopes with a 2-1 win at relegated Metz.

Goals from Djibril Cisse and Samir Nasri moved Marseille up to third place at the expense of Nancy, defeated 2-1 at Lille.

Marseille and Nancy are both on 55 points from 33 games but the southerners lead their rivals on goal difference.

The top two in Ligue 1 qualify for the Champions League with the third-placed team entering the showcase event's qualifying round.

Despite an early goal by Cedric Barbosa, Metz were relegated to Ligue 2 with 18 points, 17 points from safety with five games left.

Troubled Paris Saint-Germain are a place above the relegation zone and host Nice on Sunday.

Leaders Olympique Lyon were held to a 1-1 home draw by Stade Rennes earlier on Saturday after Stephane M'bia equalised for the visitors in added time.

A powerful header by Cris had put the six-times French champions ahead, the defender rising to meet a corner from fellow Brazilian Juninho on 16 minutes.

Cameroon midfielder M'bia gave Rennes a share of the points just before the final whistle, also with a header from a corner.

Lyon, chasing a seventh consecutive title, are on 68 points from 33 games, seven points ahead of second-placed Girondins Bordeaux, who host Caen on Sunday.

Reuters