Monaco beat Guingamp in French Ligue 1 tie

Brazilian international Fabinho scored from the penalty spot as French Ligue 1 leaders Monaco edged out Guingamp 2-1 in an away fixture, extending their lead to three points.

Monaco returned to winning ways after a thrilling 5-3 loss to Manchester City in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie last week, reports Xinhua news agency.

Guingamp, who have shocked some of the big clubs in the French top division this season including Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon at their home ground, had Moustapha Diallo's header ruled offside in the 21st minute on Saturday evening.

Three minutes later, the visitors broke the deadlock as Thomas Lemar's free-kick was carelessly dealt with by Guingamp captain Jimmy Briand and Kamil Glik poked the ball in.

Monaco doubled their lead with four minutes remaining in the first half when Kylian Mbappe earned a penalty. The 18-year-old forward was fouled inside the box by hosts' goalkeeper Karl Johnsson and Fabinho stepped up to convert the resultant penalty.

However, Monaco failed to keep a clean-sheet as Guingamp's Etienne Didot fired into the top left corner of the goal.

Meanwhile Giovanni Sio scored in the 19th minute as Rennes edged past Lorient to climb to the eigth position. Lorient still remain at the bottom spot with 22 points from 27 games.

In other matches on Saturday evening, Angers thrashed Bastia 3-0, Bordeaux beat Lille 3-2, and Nancy registered a goalless draw with Toulouse.

--IANS

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