Lille slump to Montpellier loss

The frustration continues for French champions LOSC Lille Métropole as they slipped to their first defeat of the season at home against Montpellier Hérault SC, losing 1-0 on a day that was only slightly more rewarding for Olympique de Marseille.

After drawing 1-1 at AS Nancy-Lorraine in their season opener, Lille hoped to put a first win on the board in northern France. It was not to be, however, and for all their domination they struggled to conjure many clear chances, while failing to beat Montpellier goalkeeper Laurent Pionnier when they did. The visitors boasted the more effective attacking presence, in fact, notching the only goal of the game after 70 minutes when Olivier Giroud chested down a Jamel Saihi pass and slotted past Mickaël Landreau.

Also on Sunday, Marseille recorded a second consecutive 2-2 draw, despite taking a two-goal lead at AJ Auxerre. France striker Loïc Rémy headed them in front after three minutes and André Ayew nodded in a Mathieu Valbuena corner just before the break, but Alain Traoré responded immediately after the interval and Roy Contout secured Auxerre a share of the points with nine minutes to go. Meanwhile, Evian Thonon Gaillard posted their first ever top-flight win by defeating OGC Nice.