Football: Monaco remain top of Ligue 1

Monaco's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (right) outruns Guingamp's French midfielder Christophe Kerbrat during their French L1 football match on Feb 25, 2017 at the Roudourou stadium. PHOTO: AFP

PARIS (REUTERS) - Monaco re-established their three-point advantage at the top of Ligue 1 but the free-scoring leaders were made to work hard for a 2-1 victory at Guingamp on Saturday.

Monaco had scored 76 times in 26 games before the trip to Guingamp but found chances at a premium with Polish defender Kamil Glik's 24th-minute goal their only reward of an even first half.

Guingamp commanded plenty of possession in the second period before Monaco's Brazilian midfielder Fabinho converted a penalty in the 86th minute to seal their 19th Ligue 1 victory of the season.

Etienne Didot pulled a late consolation back for the hosts but Monaco held on for victory to climb three points clear of second-placed Nice who beat Montpellier 2-1 on Friday.

Later on Saturday, Angers host Bastia, Toulouse visit Nancy, Lille face Bordeaux and Rennes play Lorient.

Third-placed Paris Saint-Germain, who are six points adrift of Monaco, travel to Marseille on Sunday as they continue their bid for a fifth successive French league title.

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