With St Etienne being held 1-1 by Marseille yesterday, the chance to become leaders presented itself to both Rennes and Toulouse, and the team from Brittany seized on the opportunity.

Romain Danze put them ahead just before half-time, Kader Mangane doubled the lead after 77 minutes, and a penalty from Sylvain Marveux secured the points with nine minutes remaining. Moussa Sissoko grabbed a late consolation goal for Toulouse, who stand fourth in the table.

Rennes are unbeaten, as are Lille who are up to third place after beating Montpellier 3-1.

Moussa Sow's first-half double, sandwiching Olivier Giroud's response from the penalty spot, put the hosts in charge at Stade Metropole.

Montpellier looked capable of levelling matters until Gervinho grabbed a third for Lille 10 minutes from the end.

Paris St Germain failed to build on the midweek win over Karpaty Lviv after being held to a goalless draw by Nice at the Parc des Princes.

The hosts, 2-0 winners over Lviv in the Europa League on Thursday night, were unable to find a way past inspired Nice goalkeeper David Ospina, who produced a wonderful individual display.