Mario Balotelli was sent off as Nice moved up to second in Ligue 1 after Wylan Cyprien's first-half goal earned it a 1-0 win at bottom side Lorient on Saturday. Italian striker Balotelli picked up a straight red card when he argued with referee Tony Chapron in the 68th minute but Nice held firm to secure victory thanks to Cyprien's 15th-minute effort.
Nice has 56 points from 26 games, three behind leader Monaco which was held to a 1-1 draw at Bastia on Friday. French champion Paris St Germain will reclaim second place and move within one point of Monaco if it beats Toulouse at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Cyprien put Nice ahead with a fine right-footed effort from the visitor's first clear chance. The host went close 10 minutes into the second half but Nice keeper Yoan Cardinale denied Zargo Toure and Francois Bellugou in quick succession.
The defeat left Lorient with 22 points, five from safety.
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