Monaco stalemate hands initiative to Nice

AFP, PARIS: Surprise package Nice can stretch their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to six points on Sunday after Monaco laboured to a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne. 
Unbeaten Nice host struggling Nantes knowing that victory would propel them clear in the French league, with Monaco now second, ahead of Paris Saint Germain only on goal difference in what looks increasingly like a three-way title fight.
Monaco went ahead in Saint-Etienne after only five minutes on Saturday thanks to centre-back Kamil Glik, but the home side pulled level just 13 minutes later through defender Loic Perrin’s bullet header.
Monaco were marginally the better side without creating enough clear-cut chances.
Their best opportunity came two minutes into stoppage time, but Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier was down smartly to save from Gabriel Boschilia after the Monaco substitute jigged his way to find rare space in the box. 
“The team played well against a good opponent. We had many chances,” said Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim.
“Of course the ambition is always to win and I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m happy with the attitude of the players and the quality of our play.
“The championship is tighter than in the past and our ambition is to win the title.”
Earlier, 10-man Lyon survived a late onslaught to earn a 2-1 away win at high-flying Toulouse with Alexandre Lacazette scoring both goals.
It was just Lyon’s fifth win in 11 league outings this season, after coach Brunio Genesio was handed an ultimatum last week by club owner Jean-Michel Aulas to notch up 31 points before the winter break or face the chop.

Monaco stalemate hands initiative to Nice

AFP, PARIS: Surprise package Nice can stretch their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to six points on Sunday after Monaco laboured to a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne. Unbeaten Nice host struggling Nantes knowing that victory would propel them clear in the French league, with Monaco now second, ahead of Paris Saint Germain only on goal difference in what looks increasingly like a three-way title fight. Monaco went ahead in Saint-Etienne after only five minutes on Saturday thanks to centre-back Kamil Glik, but the home side pulled level just 13 minutes later through defender Loic Perrins bullet header. Monaco were marginally the better side without creating enough clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity came two minutes into stoppage time, but Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier was down smartly to save from Gabriel Boschilia after the Monaco substitute jigged his way to find rare space in the box. The team played well against a good opponent. We had many chances, said Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim. Of course the ambition is always to win and Im disappointed with the result, but Im happy with the attitude of the players and the quality of our play. The championship is tighter than in the past and our ambition is to win the title. Earlier, 10-man Lyon survived a late onslaught to earn a 2-1 away win at high-flying Toulouse with Alexandre Lacazette scoring both goals. It was just Lyons fifth win in 11 league outings this season, after coach Brunio Genesio was handed an ultimatum last week by club owner Jean-Michel Aulas to notch up 31 points before the winter break or face the chop.