A Souleymane Camara strike and an own goal from Benoit Costil helped Montpellier ease past Rennes 2-0 and re-establish their three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Senegal international Camara opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a close range finish, while goalkeeper Costil's unfortunate second-half own goal moved the visitors clear of closest challengers Paris St Germain.

It was a huge win for La Paillade, who are now firm favourites to claim their first league title with just two fixtures remaining.

With PSG moving level on points with them at the top of the standings after edging past Valenciennes yesterday, the pressure was on Rene Girard's men.

They started the brighter of the two teams, with Olivier Giroud lobbing over after being picked out by Camara.

However, they were inches away from falling behind when Jonathan Pitroipa's scissors kick struck the crossbar, with Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren well beaten.

Camara then made the hosts pay for the miss by putting Montpellier ahead in the 26th minute.

Rennes defender John Boye's lazy attempt at a clearance was countered by Remy Cabella and Camara was left with a straightforward finish.

And six minutes into the second half, Montpellier doubled their lead.

Henri Bedimo picked out Cabella, who drilled a shot at goal from 25 yards that came back off the left post before hitting the back of the diving Costil and finishing in the back of the net.

Rennes refused to lie down and Pitroipa went close with a shot from the left channel that was magnificently pushed to safety by Jourdren.

Pitroipa went close again moments later, this time with a close-range bicycle kick, but the winger was once more thwarted by Jourdren.

Rennes continued to press until the final whistle but the visitors seemed happy to sit back and defend their lead.