Falcao scores twice as leader Monaco beats Nice 3-0

After struggling to get past the solid defense put up by the visitors, Monaco played with more fluidity in the second half and won the midfield fight at Stade Louis II.

Valere Germain scored the opener for Leonardo Jardim’s team, which has scored 68 league goals in 23 games, the best attacking record in the five major European leagues.

Mendy was a constant threat with his crosses from the left and the French defender delivered a second assist at the hour mark, crafting a low pass in the box for Falcao.

The striker latched onto it and doubled the home side lead, then put the game to bed in the 81st minute from Thomas Lemar’s cutback pass with his 14th league goal.

Goals from Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani in the last nine minutes helped defending champion Paris Saint-Germain stay well positioned in the race for the title, just three points behind leader Monaco, level on points with third-place Nice but a better goal difference.

Lucas opened the scoring from close range after Dijon defenders failed to clear a cross from Serge Aurier in the 29th, but PSG failed to hold on to its lead and conceded two minutes later.

Cavani — the league’s top scorer with 22 goals — completed the win when he diverted a shot with his back heel four minutes later.

New Montpellier coach Jean-Louis Gasset celebrated his first match in charge with a win over Bastia that lifted the southern side three points above the relegation zone.

A fine diving header from Yoann Gourcuff in the second half between the legs of goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso secured a 1-1 draw for Rennes at Bordeaux after striker Jeremy Menez put the hosts in front.