Lorient loss cuts Montpellier lead

An Henri Bedimo own goal and a Joel Campbell strike did the damage as Montpellier Hérault SC fell to a 2-1 defeat at FC Lorient, but Paris Saint-Germain FC passed up the chance to draw level with the leaders as they drew 1-1 with bottom club AJ Auxerre.

Lorient made the breakthrough on 69 minutes as Montpellier full-back Henri Bedimo deflected Jérémie Aliadière's header past his own goalkeeper. Joel Campbell then scored a terrific second, cutting in from the right and curling a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner. Although Olivier Giroud halved the deficit a minute later with his 20th goal of the season, the equaliser was not forthcoming.

Only goal difference would have separated the sides had PSG won at Auxerre, but despite Nenê firing them into a 23rd-minute lead with his 14th league goal of the campaign, Anthony Le Tallec (86) struck late on to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, LOSC Lille Métropole remain on course for UEFA Champions League football next season after beating AC Ajaccio 4-1, while AS Saint-Étienne and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard picked up home wins against Stade Brestois 29 and Dijon FCO respectively. Valenciennes FC lost 3-0 against Évian Thonon Gaillard FC, while AS Nancy-Lorraine and FC Girondins de Bordeaux played out a four-goal draw.