体坛英语新闻：Marseille lose upper hand in Champions League ticket contention

PARIS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Florian Thauvin salvaged Marseille one point at Guingamp, ending 3-3 in Friday's penultimate round action of Ligue 1.

But that proved insufficient in Marseille's contention for the league's runner-up position and an automatic spot in next season's Champions League group stage.

Trailing 2-3 into the final ten minutes, Thauvin swept home on substitute Bouna Sarr's right-flank cross to finish the match in a thrilling draw.

The match was put one day forward as Marseille will take on Atletico Madrid in Europa League final on May 16. The Europa League title will serve as another way to group stage of the elite European club tournament.

The visitors got to a flying start and built a two-goal advantage in the first quarter of an hour. In-form Thauvin teed up Valere Germain for a header just two minutes into the match, before finishing the attack in the same manner from Lucas Ocampos in the 14th minute.

Clement Grenier got one back for Guingamp before the interval, as he was on position to find the empty net after Jimmy Briand hit the crossbar.

Marseille lost ground after the restart, and began to pay for their slack defense. Ocampos' handball in the 52nd minute earned his opponents a penalty, which was converted by Grenier for his brace of the match.

Guingamp went in front on another spot kick in the 70th minute. An unmarked Briand was brought down by goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in the box. The French international was shown a red card, before Briand made it from the penalty spot.

Guingamp wasted a glorious chance to bag three points at home, as their attempt was denied by Jordan Amavi in front of goal line in stoppage time.

Marseille was restrained to fourth with an inferior goal difference to Monaco. Lyon ranked second, one point ahead of the two sides. The third-ranked team of Ligue 1 will go into the playoff round of Champions League qualifiers.

Lyon will visit struggling sides Strasbourg on Saturday, while Monaco will host Saint-Etienne.

Paris Saint-Germain, who regained the league champion with five rounds to spare, will lift the trophy following the home match against Rennes.