Tiago heads Lyon near to fifth consecutive crown

PARIS, Apr 1 (Reuters) Portugal midfielder Tiago propelled Olympique Lyon closer to a record fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title by sealing a 1-0 win at strugglers Troyes today.

Tiago, who will miss Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final return leg against AC Milan at the San Siro through suspension, headed home from a corner on 77 minutes in one of few highlights of a relatively dull game.

Lyon, hoping to make the semi-finals of European club soccer's premier event for the first time, drew 0-0 with Milan in the first leg in Lyon last Wednesday.

Victory put Lyon 12 points clear of second-placed Girondins Bordeaux, who visit Paris St Germain tomorrow.

Both Lyon and Bordeaux have a game in hand and will have six matches left to play after the weekend.

Lille and Auxerre, placed third and fourth respectively, drew 1-1. Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie opened the scoring for home side Lille on 22 minutes. Forward Peguy Luyindula put Auxerre level with a superb shot from distance five minutes later.

Lyon top the standings with 72 points from 32 games, followed by Bordeaux, on 60 points from 31 matches.

Lille and Auxerre have 54 and 52 points respectively after each having played 33 matches.

REUTERS SHB RAI2352