Marseille fell behind Lens in the race for an automatic Champions League place from the French league when they lost at Lille 2-1.

Lille closed the gap on Monaco in the chase for fourth and a Europa League place.

Third-placed Marseille was two points behind Lens, which can take a step closer to guaranteeing Champions League entry by winning at Lorient in their next match.

Marseille was without playmaker Dimitri Payet — suspended after slapping an assistant coach from Lens this month — but took the lead in the 29th minute through right back Jonathan Clauss.

He clipped the ball over the goalkeeper after being sent clear by Ukraine midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Canada striker Jonathan David equalised from the spot in the 50th with his 22nd league goal after a defensive mix-up led to a foul by goalkeeper Pau Lopez. Jonathan Bamba headed in fellow winger Rémy Cabella’s cross for Lille’s winner in the 72nd.

Changing coach has made no difference yet for Nantes, which stayed in the relegation zone after losing at home to Montpellier 3-0.