Valenciennes defeats Lorient 3-1

In a match between two of Ligue 1's Cinderella teams, Valenciennes defeated Lorient 3-1 to take a share of the Ligue 1 table top spot with Nancy.

Going into tonight's game, Lorient had a one point lead over their opponents, but Valenciennes proved to be too much.

Gregory Pujol scored two of Valenicennes' goals, while Sebestian Roudet scored the third goal in the 88th minute of the match.

Lorient's lone goal was scored by defender Sylvain Marchal.

Valenciennes has done a great job in producing goals this year. Striker Johan Audel is amongst the goal scoring leaders. But along with Audel's contributions, the team has spread their goal scoring to make Valenciennes more of a credible threat.

Unlike Valenciennes, Lorient has relied on very few goal scorers this year. Both Marama Vahirua and Rakif Saifi have scored four goals this season. But beyond these two players, the goal scoring seems to be few and far between.

This was one of many tests for both of these teams. With traditional powerhouses Lyon, Marseille and Monaco winning last week, it will be up to these type of Cinderella teams to keep up with the pace. Both of these teams, along with Nancy and Strasbourgh have shown they can be real contenders.

The question is; will these teams last until the end, or will they falter to the likes of Lyon and Marseille? Only time will tell.

Next week, Valenciennes plays Metz as home which should be an easy victory. Lorient, on the other hand, play against Strasburg in the Stade de la Meinau in what should be a highly watched game.

Rennes sign Wiltord, Anderson to Lyon

With some of the top teams in Ligue 1 faltering this year, Rennes FC might see this as their chance to strike.

Rennes as accuired French international striker Sylvain Wiltord fron struggling Lyon for a 1.5 million Euro transfer fee.

Wiltord, who has 92 caps for Les Bleus, will be a valuable asset to Rennes.

In addition to letting Wiltord go, Lyon has signed Brazilian defender Anderson for a 4 million Euro transfer fee.

Finally, Valenciennes seems to be making the best of their opportunities on this pitch this year. After being promoted, Valenciennes looks poised to finish midtable. But maybe they have higher goals. This week, Valenciennes loaned Slovak international Filip Šebo from Glasgow Rangers.