Ligue 1: Monaco go top despite goalless draw with Toulouse

Monaco moved top of French Ligue 1 despite a sluggish display in a goalless draw with Toulouse, which was played behind closed doors.

Claudio Ranieri's side were forced to play in front of no fans at the Stade Louis II as punishment for a pitch invasion against Le Mans in May.

Record signing Radamel Falcao - who cost around £50m from Atletico Madrid - had an off night in front of goal.

Jeremy Toulalan came closest when his long-range shot hit the crossbar.

Despite the below-par performance from his side, former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has steered Monaco to the top of the table and they remain unbeaten after three games of their return to the top flight.

But in a surreally quiet atmosphere they struggled to create chances, with Yannick Ferreira Carrasco guilty of blazing the one clear-cut chance of the night over the top when Toulouse goalkeeper Ali Ahamada failed to hold a shot.

Falcao, who this week had to deny rumours that he was looking to leave the club already, failed to threaten the Toulouse defence throughout.

But France international Toulalan almost won it in stoppage-time when his swerving shot from 25 yards came back off the crossbar.

Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri:

"It was very difficult to play in an empty stadium.

"I think in the first half we played very well and in the second half we rushed things too much. I am satisfied and I think only the goals were missing."