Rennes resolve spoils Marseille party

New-look defence

Late drama
Thomert struck again on 50 minutes and Rennes drew level at the death when Hilton's clearance rebounded off goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and nestled in the net. Despite that setback, OM went back in front almost immediately through substitute Elliot Grandin only for Rennes captain Bruno Cheyrou to end a thrilling encounter by heading beyond Mandanda.

Comeback wins
Last year's runners-up Bordeaux earned a 2-1 comeback win at home against SM Caen. Benjamin Nivet gave the Normandy club the lead but Laurent Blanc's title hopefuls levelled through on-loan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff before Fernando Cavenaghi hit the winner with ten minutes remaining. Elsewhere, promoted SASP Grenoble Foot 38 triumphed in similar circumstances with goals in the final three minutes from Nassim Akrour and Daniel Moreira securing a 2-1 success at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.

PSG defeat
Fellow newcomers Le Havre AC also celebrated victory after beating OGC Nice 1-0 but FC Nantes Atlantique lost 2-1 at AJ Auxerre. Paris Saint-Germain FC narrowly avoided relegation last term and they succumbed 1-0 at AS Monaco FC while FC Lorient saw off visitors Le Mans UC 72 1-0. Valenciennes FC triumphed 1-0 at home to AS Saint-Etienne while Adil Rami was sent off for LOSC Lille Métropole as they drew 0-0 at AS Nancy-Lorraine. Seven-time consecutive champions Olympique Lyonnais begin their title defence at home to Toulouse FC on Sunday.