体坛英语新闻：Monaco continue in-form performance, Marseille draw at Rennes in Ligue 1

PARIS, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Monaco continued their revival to shock third-placed Lyon 2-0 at home, while Marseille registered a 1-1 draw at Rennes in the 26th round match of Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Monaco recovered brilliantly from their disappointing first half of the season, having snatched 10 points over the past four league matches.

Gelson Martins collected Fode Ballo-Toure's pass, turned around before finishing a high-quality low shot at target to lift Monaco up in the 18th minute. The hosts extended their margin nine minutes later through Rony Lopes' individual play.

Lyon were awarded a penalty after Kamil Glik fouled Moussa Dembele inside the box in the 70th minute, but substitute Memphis Depay saw his effort blocked by a stretching Danijel Subasic.

Monaco move up to 16th, five points above the relegation zone. Lyon fail to capitalize Lille's draw to cut the deficit, still trailing by five points on third.

Rennes built an early lead seven minutes into the match, as Benjamin Andre headed in a cross from the right at the near post thanks to a deflection off Mario Balotelli.

Valere Germain bravely responded in a similar manner after the restart. He rose highest to nod home on Florian Thauvin's pass through a corner kick in the 56th minute, only to suffer a bad knock to his forehand.

Marseille stay fifth only with superior goal difference over Reims, who triumphed at Montpellier 4-2 through forward Remi Oudin's brace.

Also on Sunday, Toulouse escaped with a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Caen thanks to Max-Alain Gradel's stoppage-time goal. Nicolas Pallois scored a winner in Nantes' 1-0 home win over Bordeaux.