In the latest instalment of an enthralling title chase, Rene Girard's men took advantage of Paris Saint Germain not playing until tomorrow to vault above them - albeit by a point - in the standings.

For so long, though, it had looked as though PSG, resting ahead of their clash with Bordeaux, would remain top of the tree without kicking a ball.

But, with seconds left, Giroud struck to give his side victory and condemn 10-man St Etienne, who had Jean-Pascal Mignot sent off, to defeat.

Lille consolidated third place with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Evian to draw within six points of Paris St Germain and automatic qualification to the Champions League.

Eden Hazard opened the scoring 10 minutes before half-time with a penalty, before Dimitri Payet doubled the lead in the 54th minute.

Benoit Pedretti completed matters midway through the second half in what was a straightforward victory for the visitors.

Lyon leapfrogged Toulouse into fourth place and Europa League qualification after a narrow 2-1 win over struggling Sochaux.

Dejan Lovren put the hosts ahead after three minutes with Bafetimbi Gomis doubling the lead midway through the second half.

However, Sochaux ensured a nervous finish when they pulled one back through Modibo Maiga with a little under 20 minutes remaining.

Ilan scored a late equaliser as Ajaccio picked up a valuable point in a 1-1 draw against Lorient, who had led through Gregory Bourillon's fourth minute goal.

Marseille's baffling domestic form continued tonight as they were held 1-1 by relegation contenders Nice.

Despite reaching the last eight of the Champions League, Didier Deschamps' men have been awful on home soil and were dumped out of the Coupe de France by minnows US Quevilly in midweek.

They have failed to mount a title challenge as a result of their struggles and, although this point ends a run of five straight league losses, it leaves Deschamps in an increasingly perilous position.

They secured the draw with 10 men to their credit, with Andre Ayew's goal cancelled out by Luciano Monzon after substitute Charles Kabore was sent off.

Nancy moved further clear of danger with a 1-0 victory at relegation rivals Brest, making it 10 points from the last four games.

In the day`s late game, Valenciennes got the better of Rennes 1-0.

Gael Danic scored the only goal from the spot 13 minutes in and Rennes were unable to claw anything back.