Newcomers Grenoble surprise table leaders

Grenoble, newly promoted to France's first league, unexpectedly occupy the top spot after champions Lyon were held to a goalless draw by Lorient in the second weekend of the country's soccer season.

The club from the Alpine mountain city had been out in the cold for 45 years, and have marked their return to the top level with a couple of convincing wins, over Sochaux last weekend and over a fragile Rennes on Sunday.

Grenoble's 34-year-old striker Nassim Akrour delivered the goal in the 20th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Although the Algerian has played for several French top flight clubs, he learned his craft in England, having been at non-league Sutton United for two seasons in the late 90's and at Woking in 1999-2000.

Grenoble coach, Mecha Bazdarevic said “It shows we can expect a reasonable season but it's only the start. It is satisfying to beat a club like Rennes who are playing in Europe. The club is growing and we are building.”

Grenoble's unaccustomed status is chiefly due to the lacklustre performance Sunday by French champions Lyon, held to a goalless draw at Lorient.

Lyon coach Claud Puel expressed his frustration.

“We had a few good opportunities but they failed, we hit the bar and we were up against a really good keeper (Fabien Audard), who made some reflex saves,” he said.

Earlier, Paris St Germain showed they could be a force to be reckoned with this season after struggling last term, when they beat Bordeaux 1-0 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.

Later Sunday, Marseille were hosting Auxerre.