* Leaders Marseille and Bordeaux level on points
* Bordeaux can extend winning streak to eight games
By Bertrand Boucey
PARIS, May 11 - Girondins Bordeaux have long
played down their Ligue 1 title hopes but seven consecutive wins
mean modesty is no longer an option for Laurent Blanc's side.
Second-placed Bordeaux, who visit Valenciennes on Wednesday,
are level on 68 points with Olympique Marseille, who top the
standings on goal difference having scored one more goal than
their rivals.
The Ligue 1 crown appears to be destined for Bordeaux or
Marseille with third-placed Olympique Lyon seven points behind
the leaders.
"If we win at Valenciennes, we can aim for the title,"
Bordeaux and France midfielder Alou Diarra told reporters after
a 3-0 home victory against Sochaux on Sunday.
Bordeaux, who were last crowned champions 10 years ago, have
won their last seven league games and also clinched the French
League Cup last month.
"Our winning streak is quite interesting and hopefully we
will extend it but we don't have any psychological advantage
over anybody," Blanc warned his players.
Marseille were on the same winning run as Bordeaux before
being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Toulouse on Saturday.
The Provence side visit Nice on Wednesday before
entertaining Lyon four days later.
"We simply must win at Nice," coach Eric Gerets told
reporters on Monday.
"If we lose and Bordeaux win (at Valenciennes), our game
against Lyon will be far less important for the end of our
season. But I think the title race won't be settled this week,"
he added.
Lyon welcome struggling Nantes on Tuesday with their hopes
of winning an eighth consecutive title now all but vanished
after a 2-0 defeat at Valenciennes on Saturday.
"It had to happen. We have lived seven incredible seasons,"
Lyon captain Juninho told RMC radio.
(Additional reporting by Jean-Francois Rosnoblet in
Marseille; Editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this
story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)