Monaco 1-2 Valenciennes

Record signing Radamel Falcao missed a penalty on his return to the side as Monaco failed to take their chance to go top of Ligue 1.

The £50m striker, who signed from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in May, came on as sub only to see his spot kick saved by Nicolas Penneteau.

Valenciennes had taken a 2-0 lead courtesy of Eric Abidal's own goal before the break and David Ducourtioux.

James Rodriguez scored a late consolation for Monaco who stay second.

It was Monaco's first home loss of the season as the principality side fell behind when France defender Abidal put into his own net after Danijel Subasic had parried a cross.

Valenciennes, who are now third from bottom, scored their second when Ducourtioux beat Subasic from close range following a quick counter attack shortly after half-time.

Colombia striker Falcao entered the fray after three weeks out with a thigh strain but he was left frustrated when his penalty was saved and Rodriguez's effort could not prompt a comeback.