Ligue 1 Round-Up: Valenciennes Goal Feast Continues, Nice Edge Win

Sunday, November 1, 2009

OGC Nice 1-0 Le Mans

Le Mans' relegation woes continued as they left Nice empty-handed despite a spirited display.

MUC had three fine opportunities early on, Helstad and De Tallec looking especially active, but still went in behind at the break.

Ismael Gace struck the decisive blow with a header from Mounier's corner as Didier Ovono strayed into no-man's land.

The 'keeper redeemed himself with a superb stop from Bagayoko midway through the second half to keep his side in the game.

Lamah then hit the bar in the dying seconds as MUC attempted to fight back, but Nice held on for a win that sees them move to 13th in 14 points, Le Mans remaining second-last on eight.

Rennes 0-3 Valenciennes

Valenciennes' excellent scoring run continued with a thumping win over fellow mid-table rivals Stade Rennais.

Rennes had only conceded six league goals prior to this evening, but went 1-0 down early in the second half as Bobo Balde met a free-kick unmarked at the far post with a header.

Thirteen minutes from time Ben Khalfallah struck from range to seal the victory, and the midfielder then turned provider to set up Gregory Pujol for a late third in off the bar.

This win sees VAFC leapfrog Rennes and move to the top six, while Rennes are tenth on 16 points, three behind their opponents.

See also:

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Auxerre 2-1 Montpellier (round-up)
Boulogne-Sur-Mer 1-2 Nancy (round-up)
Grenoble Foot38 0-2 Lille (round-up)
Racing Club de Lens 1-1 Lorient (round-up)
Olympique de Marseille 1-1 Toulouse (round-up)
Girondins de Bordeaux 1-0 Monaco (report)
Saint-Etienne 0-1 Olympique Lyonnais (report)