Girard expects fierce battle

Montpellier coach Rene Girard insists it is all to play for in the Ligue 1 title race, despite an excellent weekend for his side.

Montpellier moved five points clear of rivals Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory at Toulouse on Friday and watched on as Carlo Ancelotti's side fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Lille yesterday.
The result moved third-placed Lille to within two points of PSG and Girard was keen to stress the race for the title is a three-horse affair.
"We thought the title would be played out between two teams, now it is between three," he said.
"It's up to us to reap the fruits of our lead. Today, we are five points ahead but there are still 12 to play for. We need three wins to be certain of being champions. Honestly, I don't listen to this sort of thing."