France round-up: Lyon regret after Lens lose

Olympique Lyonnais blew the chance to take top spot in France after being held 0-0 by Montpellier Hérault SC as leaders RC Lens were defeated 3-1 by SC Bastia.

Frustrating evening
Lyon had a frustrating evening at the Gerland stadium and even had the misfortune of seeing Philippe Violeau sent off midway through the second half after two late tackles led to a pair of yellow cards. An injury-hit Montpellier managed to restrict Lyon's chances in front of goal, with Sidney Govou and Sonny Anderson among those denied. The latter particularly allowed himself to be crowded out when well placed to score after 77 minutes.

Famous fightback
Bastia saw off leaders Lens with an emphatic victory at the Armand-Cesari-Furiani stadium, despite going a goal down after 22 minutes following Antoine Sibierski's strike. The home side, who saw captain Tony Vairelles miss a penalty early on, battled back and scored three times without reply in the second half. Prince Daye (67), Fabrice Jau (82) and Vairelles (90) condemning the Le Championnat title contenders to a stunning defeat.

Auxerre close gap
Lens retained their lead, but now only have a one-point advantage over Lyon, who they play on the last day of the French season. AJ Auxerre won 2-0 over FC Sochaux Montbéliard to move into third place and take the initiative from Paris Saint-Germain FC in the race for third place and a UEFA Champions League spot. Goals from Djibril Cissé, a superb right-foot volley, and Khalilou Fadiga were enough to give the home side the win  which sees them with a two-point lead over PSG, who did not play today.

Vahirua double
At the other end of the table FC Lorient stay rooted to the bottom of the table after two goals in seven second-half minutes from Marama Vahirua handed FC Nantes Atlantique all three points. The 21-year-old Tahitian striker curled a free-kick home after 51 minutes and then doubled his tally in the 58th minute from close range.

Surprise win
Lowly En Avant Guingamp were surprise home winners against FC Girondins de Bordeaux. The 2-1 defeat dented the visitors' hopes of securing a UEFA Cup place. Goals from Yannick Baret and Florent Malouda, either side of a Eduardo Costa effort, sealed an excellent victory. Elsewhere tonight, Lille OSC and AS Monaco played out a 1-1 draw while CS Sedan-Ardennes and ES Troyes Aube Champagne finished goalless. Sedan's Moussa N'Diaye was sent off in the 69th minute.

Metz maul Rennes
Finally tonight, FC Metz triumphed 3-1 at home against fellow relegation strugglers Stade Rennais FC. Makhtar N'Diaye gave visitors Rennes the lead in the 14th minute but Metz battled back with three goals in the second half. Manuel Adebayor (54), Christophe Bastien (59) and Sylvain Marchal (67) secured a vital victory.