UPDATE 1-Soccer-Keita double helps Lyon move nine points clear

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By Patrick Vignal

PARIS, March 15 (Reuters) - Two goals from Ivory Coast forward Kader Keita helped Olympique Lyon win 3-0 at Monaco on Saturday and move nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

Lyon scored all their goals before the break, with Keita showing them the way with a superb strike from the edge of the box on 20 minutes.

Brazilian forward Fred doubled the advantage from close range on 35 minutes and three minutes later, Keita exploited a defensive blunder to flick the ball over Monaco goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier.

Lyon move on to 61 points from 29 games, nine ahead of second-placed Girondins Bordeaux, who are at home to Racing Strasbourg on Sunday.

"We started well and the players gave it their very best," said Lyon coach Alain Perrin.

"We won away, which was our goal, and that puts us in a good position for the title."

Lyon, chasing not only another Ligue 1 crown but also their first domestic double, boosted their morale before welcoming French Cup holders Sochaux in the round of 16 next week.