* Fourth-placed Sevilla drop points against Deportivo

Fourth-place Sevilla drew 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league Saturday while fifth-place Mallorca lost 3-0 to Getafe to damage its chances of earning a Champions League spot. Federico Fazio put Sevilla ahead in the 21st minute, heading in a free kick from fellow Argentine Diego Perotti.

Defending champion Bordeaux's poor form continued when it was held to a 0-0 draw Saturday away to Monaco. Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc sought to shake his team up by leaving top scorer Marouane Chamakh and France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff on the bench, but even when they came on Bordeaux could not break down Monaco's defense.

On an evening of big games and high tension, Nice were the big winners, while the race for the title somehow got even tighter.

Les Girondins remain some way off their best form after failing to really trouble les Monegasques at the Stade Louis II.

Frenchman calls on referees to make physical sides 'respect' the Premier League

Under-rated and unpopular, Danish striker could now be key.