Strugglers Valenciennes scotched Lille's attempts to have a say in the French title race with a 2-0 success which denied the latter a temporary share of second place in the table. Lille, who enjoyed a brief foray into the UEFA Champions League three seasons ago, stay sixth after goals in quick succession from Gael Danic and former Glasgow Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville around the half-hour mark put paid to their lofty ambitions.

The northerners stay on 43 points from 27 games, one behind Bordeaux, who host Lorient on 1 March. Valenciennes pushed into mid-table after they made it nine matches unbeaten in all competitions.

Elsewhere, Nice saw their hopes of bagging a potential place in Europe fade after a 1-0 loss at Sochaux, now level on points with fourth-bottom Caen. Nantes and Grenoble shared a 1-1 draw and Le Mans moved away from the danger zone with a 2-0 home win over a Le Havre side which appears doomed after a 20th league defeat left them ten points behind Saint-Etienne.

Reigning champions Lyon, who have a six-point lead over Paris Saint-Germain, tomorrow host a Rennes side who, in the event of a shock win, could overtake Lille. PSG are also in action tomorrow at home to mid-table Nancy. Third-placed Marseille visit struggling Caen, while Saint-Etienne look to exit the drop zone with a win at Monaco.