Lyon's Karim Benzema, right, challenges for the ball with Sochaux's Rabiu Afolabi during Sunday's game. (Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press)Lyon beat Sochaux 2-0 to retain the top spot in the French league and end a four-game losing streak.
The defending champions were under pressure after Marseille downed Nantes 2-0 Saturday to take the provisional lead.
But Brazilian midfielder Honorato Ederson put Lyon on the right track, chesting down a cross from Cesar Delgado to volley home a goal in the 13th minute.
Ederson was replaced in the 66th by Anthony Mounier, who converted a rebound in the 70th after goalkeeper Teddy Richert parried the substitute's header off a cross from Juninho.
Lyon tops the standings with 56 points, one more than Marseille.
Lorient defeated Saint-Etienne 3-1 to climb to 11th place with 35 points. Saint-Etienne remained in the relegation zone with 29 points.
© The Canadian Press, 2009
