体坛英语新闻：Monaco, Lyon secure Champions League berths, Troyes relegated from Ligue 1

PARIS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Memphis Depay's heroic hat-trick gifted Lyon a 3-2 win against Nice and a spot in Champions League next term, while Troyes suffered relegation after losing to second-ranked Monaco 3-0 in Saturday's final round action of Ligue 1.

Atletico Madrid's Europa League title means that the third-placed Ligue 1 team will automatically qualify for next season's Champions League group stage as they already wrapped it up through their own domestic championships, La Liga.

Alassane Plea opened the scoring for Nice in the 18th minute on Mario Balotelli's astute delivery, but Depay put on his unstoppable display after the break, as he was on target in the 48th, 65th and 86th minute.

Lyon withstood their opponents' attack after Plea pulled one back with two minutes from time.

Marseille had to sit fourth despite beating Amiens 2-1, one point adrift of Lyon, and miss out on the Champions League qualification for the second time in one week following their three-goal loss to Atletico on Wednesday.

Nice, ranked sixth prior to Saturday's match, slid to eighth and had to see the Europa League qualifying round spot grabbed by Bordeaux, who crushed bottom sides Metz 4-0.

Rennes sealed their place in Europa League group stage alongside Marseille after recording a 1-1 draw with Montpellier and finishing fifth on the table.

Saint-Etienne also moved past Nice on seventh after easing past Lille 5-0.

With one point sufficient to accomplish the mission, Monaco controlled the match throughout against Troyes and secured their second position on Rony Lopes' brace and Jordi Mboula's stoppage-time goal. Troyes, however, will join Metz in second division next season.

Caen felt much relieved about maintaining their top-flight status as they forced a goalless draw with champions Paris Saint-Germain, who did not dispatch all of their regular starters.

18-year-old Timothy Weah, son of former FIFA World Player of the Year and current Liberian President George Weah, was handed his first start in Ligue 1.

Toulouse were restrained on 18th although they beat Guingamp 2-1, and set to be in contention with the team that finished third in Ligue 2 in playoffs for staying in the top flight.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Dijon beat Angers 2-1, and Nantes overcame Strasbourg 1-0 in head coach Claudio Ranieri's last match in charge.