Lyon leveller denies Metz

FC Metz missed out on the chance to go two points clear at the top of Ligue 1 on Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Olympique Lyonnais at the Saint-Symphorien.

Balmont leveller
Franck Ribéry had given Jean Fernandez's side a 30th-minute lead but the reigning champions replied through Florent Balmont midway through the second half to take a share of the spoils and ensure Metz progressed no further than joint top of the table with the four other clubs to have taken seven points from their opening three games.

Elber worry
However, Lyon will be concerned about the welfare of striker Giovane Elber, who was carried off the pitch with a suspected broken ankle during the second half and could miss the start of their forthcoming UEFA Champions League campaign.

Monaco stunned
Saturday's late matches included SM Caen's 1-0 victory at home against AS Monaco FC. Cyrille Watier scored the solitary goal midway through the first half to secure Patrick Remy's side their first victory of the season - and inflict a first defeat on Champions League hopefuls Monaco.

PSG pointless
Still without a win are Paris Saint-Germain FC, who lost 2-1 against Toulouse FC. After a goalless first half, the home side went two goals ahead through Daniel Moreira and Eduardo. Reinaldo's reply for the capital club on 75 minutes proved no more than a consolation.

Jau joy
SC Bastia retained their unbeaten start to the season despite having Anthier Yahia sent off four minutes from time in their home game against pointless AC Ajaccio. Fabrice Jau had already put Francois Ciccolini's side ahead and the 70th-minute strike was enough to secure all three points.

Farnerud finish
There was late drama at the Stade Guichard where AS Saint-Etienne had looked to be on course for their first win of the season at home against RC Strasbourg. As the clock ticked down, the Ligue 1 new boys were leading 1-0 thanks to Anthony Le Tallec's 37th-minute goal, but Alexander Farnerud pounced at the death to grab a share of the spoils.

Mignot winner
Jean-Pascal Mignot also scored late on as he helped AJ Auxerre to a 2-1 win away against FC Sochaux Montbéliard. Bonaventure Kalou had given Auxerre an early lead but Francileudo Dos Santos restored parity just before half-time only for Mignot to pinch all three points for the visitors with eight minutes left.

Frei decisive
In the day's other games, RC Lens won 2-0 away against FC Istres, Lille OSC drew 0-0 at home against FC Girondins de Bordeaux and a first-half finish from Switzerland striker Alexander Frei was enough to give Stade Rennais FC victory at home against winless FC Nantes Atlantique.