Montpellier Hérault SC moved top of Ligue 1 on goal difference after a convincing victory against AC Ajaccio but Olympique Lyonnais missed out on the chance to go third after suffering a surprise home defeat by SM Caen.

René Girard's side found it difficult to break down a determined Ajaccio rearguard until the visitors' resistance was broken eight minutes after the restart when they conceded a penalty, Younés Belhanda converting. Rémy Cabella's effort (64) and Olivier Giroud's 16th league goal of the campaign (67) ensured Montpellier moved top on goal difference, from Paris Saint-Germain FC, who can restore their league lead by taking something at OGC Nice on Sunday.

Even a draw would have moved Lyon above third-placed LOSC Lille Métropole but Rémi Garde's side suffered a shock loss against Caen. Romain Hamouma (13) set the ball rolling for the side who began the day just a point above botttom before Livio Nabab doubled the advantage (73). Lisandro's penalty (86) could not deny Caen a first win since 6 November.

Elsewhere, FC Lorient snatched a late 1-1 draw at AJ Auxerre and Stade Brestois 29 and Dijon FCO shared the same result, while Stade Rennais FC and Valenciennes FC downed FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and AS Nancy-Lorraine 1-0 respectively.