Montpellier tighten grip on Ligue 1 title

Montpellier Hérault SC moved a step closer to a maiden Ligue 1 title with a 1-0 win against Valenciennes FC, while LOSC Lille Métropole are two points shy of second place after seeing off Dijon FCO.

Coach René Girard demanded focus from his team following last week's 2-1 loss at FC Lorient and their formidable home form paved the way for a slender victory. Montpellier have now dropped just five points in 17 home games all season, thanks to Souleymane Camara's fifth-minute opener.

Title rivals Paris Saint-Germain FC have the chance to close the gap when they face FC Sochaux-Montbéliard on Sunday. But hot on their heels are third-placed Lille, after Rio Mavuba and Eden Hazard's 16th goal of the season sealed a convincing 2-0 success against nine-man Dijon. Stade Rennais FC moved fourth, meanwhile, after triumphing 1-0 against relegation-threatened Stade Brestois 29.

Elsewhere, Jussiê struck twice as FC Girondins de Bordeaux arrested a five-match winless streak with a 2-1 win against Olympique de Marseille, Toulouse FC were beaten 2-1 at Évian Thonon Gaillard FC and AJ Auxerre remain rooted to the bottom following a 1-0 defeat at OGC Nice. SM Caen are also in relegation jeopardy after slumping to a 4-1 home reverse against AS Saint-Étienne.