PARIS, Feb 13: Defending champion Lille snapped a two-game losing streak with a scrappy 1-0 win at Montpellier in the French league on Saturday to move back into the race for the European spots.
Lille struggled throughout against a spirited home side led by playmaker Teji Savanier, one of the league’s best players. Lille goalkeeper Leo Jardim made four decisive saves in the first half.
Lille took the lead against the run of the play with 14 minutes left when Portuguese midfielder Xeka snatched the winner from the rebound after a thwarted effort from teammate Benjamin Andre.
Lille leapfrogged Montpellier to seventh place in the standings.
Back from the African Cup of Nations, Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi helped Lyon beat third-placed Nice 2-0.
Toko Ekambi’s second-half goal sealed Nice’s second consecutive league loss. Moussa Dembele gave Lyon the lead from the penalty spot seven minutes in with a 40th career league goal. (AP)
