Monaco 3-1 Nantes

Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez inspired Monaco as they beat lowly Nantes at Stade Louis II to keep their slim French title hopes alive.

Rodriguez drilled in a delightful left-foot shot to put Claudio Ranieri's side ahead, before his corner was headed in by Andrea Raggi from 12 yards.

Rodriguez, 22, who joined Monaco for £38.5m last summer, then fired in the third from the penalty spot.

USA midfielder Alejandro Bedoya headed in a late consolation for the visitors.

Monaco are 13 points adrift of leaders Paris St-Germain, who won 3-0 against Reims on Saturday, with six games left.

The principality side moved six clear of third-placed Lille, with the top two automatically qualifying for the Champions League group phase next season.