France round-up: Auxerre miss their cue

Ligue 1 title contenders AJ Auxerre missed the chance to move third in the table as they slipped to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against FC Nantes Atlantique.

Early breakthrough
The away side caught Auxerre sleeping after only two minutes as Romanian striker Viorel Moldovan headed into the net from an Olivier Quint cross for what proved to be the only goal of the game. The goal left Auxerre with it all to do, but Guy Roux's team struggled to get back into the game on a rain-soaked pitch.

Mexes blow
Auxerre rarely threatened to equalise, and lost central defender Phillippe Mexes after an hour, who was forced to go off injured and is now doubtful for France’s friendly against the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

Marseille top
Olympique de Marseille remain top of the table with 48 points having won 2-0 at AC Ajaccio on Saturday, while AS Monaco FC are second with 46, while Auxerre and OGC Nice each have  43.