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Polish striker Ireneusz Jelen struck twice as AJ Auxerre kept their Ligue 1 title hopes alive with a commanding 3-0 win at Toulouse on Sunday.
Auxerre, now on 66 points with four games left, moved within two points of leaders Olympique Marseille, who host St Etienne later on Sunday (1900 GMT).
The Burgundy side, who claimed their only top-flight crown in 1996, played solidly in the first half and came out stronger after the interval.
"We had five very tough minutes, when we could not leave our half of the field and barely managed three passes in a row," Auxerre captain Benoit Pedretti told French TV Channel Foot+.
"Then, we waited for counter-attack opportunities and set pieces. We made the most of our chances."
Auxerre, who have the best defence in the league, entertain Marseille on Friday.
Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac proved a permanent threat in the first half but he was twice denied by keeper Olivier Sorin, who also pulled off a decisive save on the hour from the French international.
Midfielder Benoit Pedretti opened the scoring with a fine dipping free kick two minutes into the second half and Jelen doubled the lead with a delightful 25-metre shot on 68 minutes.
Jelen put the result beyond doubt with 11 minutes remaining, latching on to Valter Birsa's cross from the left.
Elsewhere, Lens were held to a 1-1 home draw by neighbours Valenciennes.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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