Ligue 1 strugglers Sochaux, Valenciennes and Monaco all won on Saturday night, while Bordeaux secured a vital 2-1 win over Nice.
Bordeaux move into third following their massive 2-1 win over Nice at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Les Girondins opened the scoring through Marouane Chamakh, who collected Yoann Gourcuff’s powerful low cross, coolly controlled the ball and slotted home from 10 yards.
At the other end, Bordeaux captain Ulrich Rame once again showed his shakiness when he pulled Reading’s record signing Emerse Fae down inside the box. Habib Bamogo converted the resulting spot kick.
Only two minutes into the second half, the home side’s Brazilian stars made the difference, with centre back Henrique heading home Wendel’s perfect left-footed cross.
Rennes, who are still on course for European qualification, came back from two goals down to claim a vital draw at Le Mans (2-2).
Stade Rennais keeper Nicolas Douchez deflected a corner kick into the path of Thorstein Helstad, who comfortably slotted home only two minutes into the game.
Reported Arsenal target Gervinho added a second in the first half after another brilliant trademark solo raid. The Brittany-based side never gave up and managed to come from behind thanks to Jires Kembo-Ekoko and super-sub Moussa Sow after the interval.
In a six-pointer between Ligue 1 strugglers, Sochaux took all three points against Nancy at Stade Bonal (2-1).
Ryad Boudebouz broke the deadlock for Les Lionceaux with a low shot in the middle of Nancy’s defence, but Morocco international Youssouf Hadji levelled the scores with a wonderful effort into the bottom corner.
Vaclav Sverkos, who has already proved he is a very good January signing, restored his team’s advantage thanks to a predatory crossed-shot after Mevlut Erding missed a penalty.
Monaco bounced back to form and secured a very encouraging victory over Toulouse in the Principality (3-2).
Andre-Pierre Gignac added a 17th goal to his collection this season from close range from a corner kick, but he then saw ASM equalise through the unmarked Frederic Nimani. Mauro Cetto restored Tefece’s lead, but Francois Modesto and Igor Lolo offered Monaco all three points in an exciting second half.
Nantes and Lorient shared the spoils in the Brittany derby on Saturday at La Beaujoire (1-1).
The Canaries’ Guirane N’Daw broke at speed at the conclusion of a counter attack and lobbed Fabien Audard with a header from Sylvain Marchal’s cross, and Jeremy Morel responded after the break from 24 yards.
In a critical game between strugglers, Valenciennes ruled at home against rock-bottom side Le Havre (3-2).
Peter Franquart headed home the opening goal of the night from very close range for HAC, but Jose Saez hit back five minutes before the break at the near post.
Jonathan Lacourt gave VA the lead thanks to a perfect direct free kick, before Kevin Anin equalised from close range. Johan Audel finally made the most of a defensive howler and claimed the winning goal in injury time.
Lille star Michel Bastos once against proved he is one of the best players in the French league, with the Brazilian scoring the only goal of the game at Caen.
Bordeaux v Nice report to follow.