PARIS, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Marseille beat southern rivals Nice 1-0 Sunday to overtake Lyon for the second place at the French league, but still seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Lyon can go back into second with victory over relegation-threatened Sochaux later.

Andre-Pierre Gignac scored the only goal of the game in the 14th minute, heading in Mathieu Valbuena's corner for his 10th league goal of the season.

Nice almost leveled shortly afterwards when Marseille defender Rod Fanni headed Eric Bautheac's free kick off his own post.

Seconds later, Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda pulled off a stunning save to deny Kevin Anin five minutes from time.