Bordeaux book Champions League place

Bordeaux' striker Jean-Claude Darcheville (C) and defender David Jemmali (L) celebrate after scoring against Le Mans during their French L1 football match, at the Chaban Delmas stadium in Bordeaux. Bordeaux virtually made sure of their place in the Champions League next season when a 2-2 draw against Le Mans put them almost out of sight of their nearest rivals.

Bordeaux virtually made sure of their place in the Champions League next season when a 2-2 draw against Le Mans put them almost out of sight of their nearest rivals.

Bordeaux are seven points ahead of Lille who have two games left while Rennes are nine points adrift with three to play and have a mathematical chance of taking second spot behind champions Lyon.

However, Rennes have an inferior goal difference of 16 and may have to settle for UEFA Cup football next season instead.

"We are sure to be in the preliminary round of the Champions League, nothing more at the moment," said Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud.

"Before we can celebrate, we will have to wait to be certain. I would have preferred to celebrate tonight with a victory."

Ismael Bangoura gave mid-table Le Mans a 19th-minute lead before Moroccan international striker Marouane Chamakh levelled five minutes from half-time.

Jean-Claude Darcheville made it 2-1 to the European hopefuls seven minutes into the second period but a goal in the 80th minute from Grafite ensured a draw.

Lyon, who had already wrapped up their fifth successive French title, completed their home programme with a thumping 4-0 win over St Etienne.

Sylvain Wiltord (7mins), Fred (38), Juninho (55) and Benoit Pedretti (81) brought Lyon victory and a 16-point lead over second-placed Bordeaux.

At the other end of the table, Troyes beat Toulouse 3-1 at home, a result which meant Strasbourg, Ajaccio and Metz will all be relegated to the second division.

With just two games left, Troyes have a 10-point lead over Strasbourg who are third from bottom.

Laurent Batlles had put Toulouse ahead after just three minutes with Sebastien Dallet levelling for Troyes in the 48th minute.

The home side's nerves were eased when Sebastien Grax made it 2-1 in the 79th minute with Tunisian international Ziad Jaziri putting the result beyond doubt, and saving Troyes' top flight status, with a third goal in the 81st minute.

"We have achieved our objective, we have worked for this all year," said Troyes coach Jean-Marc Furlan.

"It is a great achievement by Troyes to stay in the first division when you consider the financial strength of the other clubs."

Bottom club Metz, who are 12 points behind Troyes, lost 1-0 at home to Sochaux while Ajaccio slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Nice.

"We are in the second division but it wasn't caused by today's catastrophic match," said Metz coach Jacky Dugueperoux.

French football league table after Sunday's matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):