Marseille have fallen behind Lens in the race for an automatic Champions League place from the French league when they lost at Lille 2-1.

Lille closed the gap on Monaco in the chase for fourth and a Europa League place with Saturday's win.

Third-placed Marseille are now two points behind Lens, who can take a step closer to guaranteeing Champions League entry by winning at Lorient on Sunday.

Marseille were without playmaker Dimitri Payet - suspended after slapping an assistant coach from Lens this month - but took the lead in the 29th minute through right back Jonathan Clauss.

He clipped the ball over the goalkeeper after being sent clear by Ukraine midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Canada striker Jonathan David equalised from the spot in the 50th with his 22nd league goal after a defensive mix-up led to a foul by goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Clauss picked out Alexis Sanchez and he found the net with a low shot from inside the penalty area, but his goal was ruled offside following a video review.

Jonathan Bamba headed in fellow winger Rémy Cabella's cross for Lille's winner in the 72nd as the northern side moved within two points of Monaco with two games left.

Changing coach has made no difference yet for Nantes, who stayed in the relegation zone after losing at home to Montpellier 3-0.

Nantes fired Antoine Kombouaré with four games remaining and replaced him with the reserves coach. But the side have picked up only one point in two games since.

Nantes are in 17th place with four teams going down this season and only two rounds remaining.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain can clinch a record 11th league title if they win at relegation battler Auxerre and Lens do not beat Lorient.