After the big-money signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva (both AC Milan) as well as Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), a championship for the capital club was considered a foregone conclusion.

That theory was derailed on the opening weekend of fixtures with Carlos Ancelotti's men requiring a second-half brace from Ibrahimovic to rescue a point for the expensively assembled squad.

The main positive was Ibrahimovic's undeniable influence on the side as his match-winning qualities were there for all to see in the second half.

Champions Montpellier were held to a draw at home to Toulouse and continue life without last year's leading scorer Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) away to PSG's tormentors Lorient on Saturday.

Hurting their cause further was the absence of star playmaker Younes Belhanda, who could miss again through injury.

Lille got their season off to a great start with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Saint-Etienne thanks to Benoit Pedretti's stoppage-time strike.

The 2011 champions seemed relatively unfazed by Chelsea defector Eden Hazard's absence and looked fluid in attack with replacements Marvin Martin (Sochaux) and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea) both playing the full 90 minutes.

Lille take on Nancy on Saturday at home with a chance to maintain their two-point buffer over PSG.

Benoit Cheyrou's sublime volley secured Marseille a 1-0 win over Reims and they tackle Sochaux on Sunday.

Bordeaux picked up where they left off last season, making it seven Ligue 1 wins in a row to defeat Evian 3-2 on the opening weekend, and they take on top-six side from last season Rennes, following their 1-0 defeat to Lyon.

After wrapping up the signing of Brazilian striker Brandao on a free transfer from Marseille, Saint-Etienne get the chance to atone for their loss to Lille when taking on Toulouse on Saturday.

In other fixtures on Saturday, Lyon are at home to newly-promoted Troyes, as are first-placed Bastia to Reims, while Brest host Evian and Valenciennes welcome Nice.