Seven-time French champions Lyon began their Ligue 1 campaign in fine style as they defeated Brittany club Rennes 2-0 at the Stade Gerland on Sunday.

As the opening weekend of the French season reached it's conclusion, with just last season's runners-up Monaco set to host Lorient in the final match later Sunday, Caen were the early frontrunners on goal difference after their 3-0 win at Evian on Saturday.

Lyon, who won their titles consecutively from 2002 and 2008, opened the scoring in their first league match under new coach Hubert Fournier with a strike from 34-year-old midfielder Steed Malbranque after 64 minutes.

French international Alexandre Lacazette, who scored 23 goals last season, made the points safe from the penalty spot with 16 minutes left.

Champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 2-2 draw at Reims in the Ligue 1 curtain raiser on Friday while Marseille were pegged back in a 3-3 draw at Bastia 24 hours later in a match marred by crowd trouble.

There were also opening day wins for Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux, Nice and Nantes while Champions League hopefuls Lille, who drew Porto in the final qualfiying round, were held to a 0-0 stalemate at home by Metz.