Rennes, France – Rennes improved its hopes of claiming a spot in European competition next season after a 3-1 home victory against relegation-battling Nice on Monday.
First-half goals from Julien Feret and Tongo Doumbia had the home side in control before Nice reduced its deficit to a goal with 30 minutes to play through Francois Clerc.
But Jonathan Pitroipa killed the game off in the 82nd minute when he brought down a long ball from Romain Danze, beat a defender and slotted his shot past goalkeeper David Ospina.
Rennes has earned seven points from its last three games to move to within two points of fourth-place Lyon.
The loss halts a good run of results for Nice, which had won its last two games but now sits only one point above the drop zone.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.