PARIS:

Lyon did it again, and this time without even trying. The five-time defending French league champions won their sixth straight title on Saturday because Toulouse failed to beat Rennes. Lyon won the league title with five games to go — the quickest ever in France — because Rennes beat Toulouse 3-2. Lyon plays Sunday at Auxerre, but its 17-point lead is enough.

Lyon started the season by collecting 49 points out of a possible 54, building an impressive lead. The team also has the best offense and defense, scoring 55 goals and conceding only 23. But Lyon’s strength, including winning 12 of its 16 away games, also reflects the weakness of the French league. In the Champions League, AS Roma eliminated Lyon in the second round.