Lyon book European spot

Lyon booked an 18th consecutive season in Europe as Bakary Kone's early goal secured a 1-0 victory at Nice.

Lyon booked an 18th consecutive season in Europe as Bakary Kone's early goal secured a 1-0 victory at Nice. Les Gones were looking nervously over their shoulders at sixth-placed Marseille before kick-off on Saturday night and they were right to be concerned as the southerners edged Guingamp 1-0 at the Stade Velodrome. Remi Garde's last act as Lyon boss may have been delivering qualification for the Europa League, but he soured his own farewell somewhat by being sent to the stands for arguing with the referee late on. Nice, meanwhile, finish the season in 17th place, just two points and one place above relegated Sochaux. Kone's winner came after only five minutes, the Burkinabe defender rising highest to nod Clement Grenier's free-kick home. Nice pushed back and might have levelled when Valentin Eysseric picked out Jeremy Pied for a volley from the middle of the box. After the half-hour mark, Bafetimbi Gomis rattled the ball against Nice goalkeeper Mouez Hassen and, five minutes before the break, Anthony Lopes had to punch Eysseric's powerful free-kick to safety. Nice were lively after the break and enjoyed three solid chances to equalise. Eric Bautheac spooned the ball just over the bar from a close-range free-kick while Christian Bruls was closed down by Henri Bedimo before he could unleash a volley at the far post. With 10 minutes remaining Lopes made an acrobatic save to deny Dario Cvitanich, who had got his head to Bautheac's cross from the left wing. Garde could have celebrated the victory and bid farewell to the travelling fans, yet he instead made an ignominious exit down the Allianz Riviera tunnel after losing his temper with the officials.