Ligue 1 wrap: PSG still on top, Montpellier battle to win

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Caen 4-2, while Bordeaux picked up a crucial win over Ajaccio in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

PSG had made a shock exit from the Coupe de la Ligue at the hands of Dijon on Wednesday, and they briefly appeared set for another slip when Thomas Heurtaux prodded Caen in front from a corner after 13 minutes.

But Caen’s goal proved just the impetus for PSG’s big-money signings to spark to life, and they received a helping hand when veteran Caen midfielder Benjamin Nivet was sent off for conceding a 20th-minute penalty.

Brazilian striker Nene equalised for the capital club from the spot, though Caen dug in to deny PSG a second in the first half.

But the away side’s resolve ran out on 56 minutes, when Javier Pastore and Kevin Gameiro combined to set up winger Jeremy Menez to make it 2-1.

Nene made it a brace from the spot 20 minutes later, though PSG again showed a brittleness at set pieces when Jerry Vandam made it 3-2 in the 82nd minute.

Pastore’s fifth league goal of the campaign shortly before the end of normal time made the points safe for PSG, however, keeping the chasing pack on the Ligue 1 table at arm’s length.

Montpellier continue to lead that group after defeating Nancy 2-0, though they had to wait to the 62nd minute to break the deadlock, through Olivier Giroud.

Souleymane Camara’s strike on 74 minutes sealed the win, ensuring Montpellier remain three points from PSG.

Alou Diarra’s 82nd-minute header decided Marseille’s trip to Dijon 3-2 in the visiting side’s favour, while Bordeaux’s 2-0 triumph at Ajaccio eased the pressure on manager Francis Gillot.

Champions as recently as the 2008/09 season, Bordeaux have found themselves at the wrong end of the table this campaign and moved to 15th as a result of their victory at bottom-placed Ajaccio.

Fellow bottom-half side Brest did their own fortunes plenty of good with a 3-1 over Lorient, while Evian had a double from striker Yannick Sagbo to thank for their defeat of Auxerre by the same scoreline.

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