Nantes remain in contention for a surprise podium finish in Ligue 1 after holding second-placed Monaco to a 0-0 draw at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday.
In the process the Canaries, who had the best chances in the first half of a match played in bright sunshine, extended their long unbeaten run to 13 league games and 16 matches in all competitions.
Nantes are one of France’s greatest clubs, but they have fallen on harder times since winning the last of their eight league titles in 2001.
They have not finished in the top six in Ligue 1 since 2004 and have endured the ignominy of two relegations in the last decade, but they came into this fixture undefeated since a 1-0 reverse in Monaco in November.
The home side had the best chances in a lively start to the game, but Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, on two occasions, and Emiliano Sala were unable to find a way past Danijel Subasic in the visitors’ goal.
Guido Carrillo came close for Monaco early in the second half while Alejandro Bedoya did have the ball in the net for Nantes in the 71st minute, only to be denied by the offside flag.
While Monaco are nine points clear of the chasing pack in second spot, their failure to win the game means runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain could secure an inevitable fourth consecutive title as early as next Saturday.
For that to happen, Laurent Blanc’s side must win away at Lyon later on Sunday and then hope Monaco slip up at Caen next Friday.
PSG, who are unbeaten domestically since March last year, would then go into their home clash with Montpellier next Saturday knowing victory would suffice for them to be confirmed champions with two months of the season remaining.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Marseille’s match away to Gazelec Ajaccio was postponed due to the inclement weather in Corsica, but Saint-Etienne have the chance to go third when they entertain Caen.
Nice’s Champions League hopes were hit when they lost 2-0 at home to bitter rivals Bastia on Friday, while Rennes climbed up to fourth by coming from behind to win 2-1 at struggling Toulouse thanks to two late goals on Saturday.
Toulouse parted company with coach Dominique Arribage after that defeat, which left them second from bottom and 10 points from safety.
— AFP
