Brest reclaim second place in Ligue 1

Surprise package Brest beat Lorient 1-0 in a Brittany derby on Sunday to reclaim second place in Ligue 1 and remain on course for Champions League qualification.

Former Lyon and Rennes winger Romain Del Castillo scored the only goal of the game for the visitors four minutes from time, placing a low shot into the far corner of the net.

Brest then held on for the victory despite having Billal Brahimi sent off in stoppage time, as they got back to winning ways after taking just one point from their last two outings.

The result lifts them back up into second place above Monaco, who won 5-2 at Metz on Saturday.

Brest, who have never qualified for Europe, are four points better off than fourth-placed Lille, who beat Lens 2-1 on Friday.

David continues scoring streak as Lille draw with Brest

Football

The top three in Ligue 1 will qualify automatically for next season's expanded Champions League, with fourth place entering in the preliminary rounds.

Brest's win also allowed them to close the gap on leaders Paris Saint-Germain to nine points before the reigning champions play at bitter rivals Marseille later on Sunday.