Saint-Etienne edged Rennes 1-0 in the Coupe de la Ligue final courtesy of a stunning first-half volley from Brandao, giving Les Verts their first piece of silverware in 32 years.
Clarck N'Sikulu's 93rd minute equaliser saved a point for Evian at Reims in their 2-2 draw, while Troyes also drew 2-2 with Saint-Etienne and Bastia topped Valenciennes 4-3 in Saturday's Ligue 1 action.
Saint-Etienne moved into third with a convincing 4-0 win over Nice, Nancy moved out of the basement after defeating Sochaux 2-1, and Bastia beat Ajaccio 1-0 in a game that saw five red cards.
Saint-Etienne added to Nancy's troubles with a 3-0 win, Montpellier dropped Evian 1-0, and Sochaux fought to a hard-earned 2-2 draw with Rennes.
Saint-Etienne now sit fourth in the Ligue 1 table after a 4-1 over Montpellier in a match that was twice delayed due to snow, while the other French fixtures were played out in more favourable weather conditions.
With none of Ligue 1's leading trio in action on Saturday, all eyes were on the battle for European places behind them as Bordeaux, Nice and St Etienne all won to remain within a point of each other.
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
Men's Olympic Football Tournament
CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012
CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012
CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012
