Drogba rescues depleted Marseille
PARIS, France -- Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba seized on a poor clearance by Metz keeper Ludovic Butelle, to hit a 77th minute equaliser for depleted Marseille in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
It was the 12th goal of the season for the 25-year-old Drogba and salvaged a point for Jose Anigos side who stay in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Metz, who have won only two games at home this season, went ahead two minutes into the second half when Bruno Rodriguez cracked his first goal of the season.
The 31-year-old striker, who came back to his old club during the winter break, left Fabien Barthez stranded after being set up by Franck Signorino.
Marseille, hit by African Nations Cup calls, levelled when Butelle's attempted clearance ended in Drogba's path.
The striker swivelled and slipped the ball home, bringing his season's tally to 12 and moving to second place in the scorers' chart.
Metz rise from 17th to 16th but are only two points clear of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Lyon can take sole position of second place and move within six points of leaders Monaco if they can beat Bordeaux on Wednesday in another rescheduled fixture.
Monaco host Paris Saint Germain on Friday in what is the biggest match of the weekend's action.
