Ligue 1 Update: Lille Continues to Pressure Leaders, Lyon Narrowly Escapes Montpellier

Lille stayed close to the top of the Ligue 1 standings as they began 2025 with a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against Nantes on Saturday. Remy Cabella gave Lille the lead with a goal just before halftime in a lackluster match. However, they were unable to secure the win as Matthis Abline scored a penalty in the 70th minute to level the scoreline. Meanwhile, Lyon narrowly avoided a shocking defeat to Montpellier as a last-minute own goal salvaged a point for them.

"We just weren't good enough in every department," Lille coach Bruno Genesio observed frankly.

After also letting two points slip from their grasp in December against another team way below them, table-footers Montpellier, Genesio pointed out: "It's these type of matches that leave us with a feeling of unfinished business.

"We have very little margin, we have to stay totally focussed."

Saint-Etienne brushed away any lingering post-festive blues to record a 3-1 win over mid-table visitors Reims.

Saint-Etienne had to come from behind to reverse a run of four consecutive losses, with a brace from Augustine Boakye earning new coach Eirik Horneland his first win at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium.

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In Saturday's late match Lyon thought any title aspirations they still entertained had been dented by a feisty Montpellier but Khalil Fayad's own goal in the first minute of stoppage time broke the away team's heart and moved Lyon to within two points of third-placed Monaco.

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