LOSC Lille Métropole have moved seven points clear in France courtesy of a 3-1 success at home against SM Caen.

Caen goalkeeper Thomas Bosmel was in inspired form but could only hold out for so long as Aurélien Chedjou headed in from a Yohan Cabaye corner after 30 minutes. Eden Hazard then doubled Lille's advantage shortly after the hour mark before Moussa Sow plundered his 20th Ligue 1 effort this season by making the most of a Gervinho cutback. Youssef El Arabi's late consolation for the visitors was not enough to prevent Rudi Garcia's men increasing their lead over Olympique de Marseille, who visit RC Lens on Sunday.

Stade Rennais FC sit level with Marseille on 51 points after missing the chance to go second in their goalless home draw with AJ Auxerre. Fifth-placed Paris Saint-Germain FC experienced similar frustration as they played out the same scoreline at home to FC Lorient, and 0-0 was also the outcome between AS Nancy-Lorraine and FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Elsewhere, AS Monaco FC climbed within a point of safety thanks to a 2-0 win at bottom club AC Arles-Avignon, who had Grégory Lorenzi dismissed in the second minute. FC Sochaux-Montbéliard defeated Stade Brestois 29 2-1 and Montpellier Hérault SC triumphed 1-0 at Toulouse FC in the late game.

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