Marseille and PSG fail to get winning starts

Marseille let slip a 3-1 lead to draw 4-4 at Rennes and Paris Saint Germain fell 1-0 at Monaco as France's high-profile clubs failed to get a winning start in the French league on Saturday.

Reigning seven-time champions Lyon host Toulouse on Sunday to open their 2008/09 campaign.

The new-look PSG under Charles Villeneuve was deservedly beaten by a young and spirited Monaco side thanks to a goal by Frederic Nimani in the 79th minute.

Marseille looked set fair to get their campaign off with a win while leading 3-1 at the interval but Eric Gerets' men did not count on the determination of their Brittany opponents in the eight-goal contest.