If LOSC Lille Métropole are to win the French title this season they seem determined to go about it the hard way.

Rudi Garcia's side required last-gasp winners in their two previous matches and, at Stade Brestois 29, the league leaders had to come from behind to seal their third successive 2-1 victory. Moussa Sow's 19th Ligue 1 goal of the season (53) decided the match after Gervinho (39) had cancelled out Benoît Lesoimier's opener (18).

Lille are now five points clear of Stade Rennais FC, who required a late goal by Kévin Théophile-Catherine (87) to draw 1-1 with Olympique Lyonnais. The visitors were grateful for a point after going a goal and a man down, when Bafétimbi Gomis (36) put Lyon in front, and Victor Hugo Montaño (65) was sent off.

Meanwhile, RC Lens moved to within a point of third-bottom AS Monaco FC with a 4-1 success at Montpellier Hérault SC and AJ Auxerre moved three points clear of the relegation zone thanks to Ireneusz Jeleń's double (17, 63) against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.

Elsewhere, FC Girondins de Bordeaux rallied from two down to draw 2-2 at Valenciennes FC, Toulouse FC were held 1-1 by OGC Nice and FC Lorient shared a goalless draw with AS Saint-Étienne.

Results

Standings

Photo gallery