PARIS — Lille maintained its strong push for an automatic Champions League place with a 4-0 win at Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Lille moved up to third and one point ahead of fourth-placed Marseille, with the top three entering the lucrative Champions League directly next season and the side in fourth going through qualifying.
Lille was leading 1-0 through right back Thomas Meunier’s goal when American defender Mark McKenzie was sent off early in the second half for pulling back forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as he ran through on goal.
Lille dominated after that red card, with left back Romain Perraud and Fernandez-Pardo scoring before veteran striker Olivier Giroud added a late penalty.
Later Sunday, Lyon looked to snap a nine-match winless run overall when it hosted Lorient. Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca put teenage Brazil forward Endrick on the bench after criticizing his recent performances.
The 19-year-old Endrick made a great start with Lyon after joining on loan from Real Madrid but his form has faded.
In Sunday’s other game, Nice drew 1-1 at home to fellow struggler Le Havre. Both sides are hovering just above the relegation zone.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.