PARIS, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Racing Lens jumped to the second place in French first division league on Saturday after beating Valenciennes 3-1 and Lille were held 0-0 by struggling Nantes.

Former France midfielder Eric Carriere headed home on 28 minutes to open the scoring, with captai

Striker Steve Savidan reduced the gap from the spot, only for Tunisia forward Issam Jemaa to wrap up the win in injury time.

Lens now have 40 points from 23 matches and trail leaders Olympique Lyon, who travel to Troyes on Sunday, by 11 points as Lille were held by Nantes in Saturday's early kickoff.

Lille, who were knocked out of the French Cup by the Canaries earlier this week, had the best chances with Nicolas Plestan and Jean Makoun hitting the woodwork twice in the first half.

Nantes, who were without injured goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, held on until the final whistle despite Lille's late attacks.

Former St Etienne striker Frederic Piquionne celebrated his debut with Monaco by scoring from the spot in his side's 2-1 victory over AJ Auxerre.

Nice added to Girondins Bordeaux's woes by beating the Aquitaine side 2-1 three days after they were knocked out of the French Cup by amateurs Montceau.

On Sunday, in-form Olympique Marseille host troubled Paris St Germain in a heavily policed game.

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