PARIS: Marseille paid tribute to Brazilian soccer great Pele before routing Toulouse 6-1 to rise to third place Thursday, while Lens failed to keep pace with league leader Paris Saint-Germain after drawing 0-0 at Nice.
The draw left second-place Lens seven points behind PSG, who won on Wednesday to remain unbeaten. Midfielder Salis Abdul Samed went close for Lens, who host PSG on Sunday, after a brilliant turn and mazy run, only to be foiled by veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the 31st minute.
Marseille’s home win moved them four points behind Lens but two ahead of Rennes in third, which earns a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Rennes lost 3-1 at Reims. Marseille fans observed a moment’s applause for Pele, who died on Thursday. He was 82. The three-time World Cup winner’s face was shown on a giant screen at Stade Velodrome.