Victor Montano struck a second-half brace to seal Montpellier's seventh win of the campaign, a result which leaves the promoted side just two points behind leaders Auxerre in what is a wide-open battle for supremacy.

Montano opened the scoring after 65 minutes and made the game safe three minutes from time at the Stade de la Mosson to secure a first win in four league games for his side and end Lille's recent resurgence.

Montpellier move onto 24 points, level with Lorient, who are up to fourth place after a 2-0 win over struggling St Etienne.

Marama Vahirua silenced the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard after four minutes and when Franco Sosa doubled the lead 13 minutes later, the Brittany side were on course for victory.

Loic Remy netted a second-half penalty as Nice edged out Toulouse 1-0 to leapfrog their mid-table opponents in the standings.

Remy slotted home in the 51st minute after Toulouse defender Cheikh M'Bengue was harshly adjudged to have handled in the area.