RPT-Soccer-Lyon tame PSG to move nine points clear

(repeats to additional subscribers)

PARIS, March 23 (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon moved a step closer to a seventh successive Ligue 1 title with a 4-2 home win over Paris St Germain on Sunday that sent the leaders nine points clear.

The down side to a precious win was that Lyon striker Karim Benzema was substituted in the first half with an ankle injury that makes him a doubftul starter for France's friendly international against England in Paris on Wednesday.

Lyon were 2-0 up after 36 minutes courtesy of two goals by Brazilian forward Fred but strugglers PSG fought back with a goal from defender Zoumana Camara just before halftime and a penalty by midfielder Jerome Rothen on 52 minutes.

France forward Sidney Govou collected a fine pass from midfielder Mathieu Bodmer to race into the box and put Lyon back in front on 65 minutes.

Brazil midfielder Juninho, the Lyon captain, sealed his side's win with a volley from inside the box seven minutes later.

Lyon move on 64 points from 30 games, nine more than second-placed Girondins Bordeaux, who lost 3-1 at Valenciennes on Saturday and face a struggle to catch up the leaders with just eight matches left.

PSG, who have been in the top division since 1974, are third from bottom.

(Writing by Patrick Vignal, editing by Miles Evans)