Portugal Colonial - Monaco squeeze past 10-man Auxerre to climb to third

Ilenikhena, who had come off the bench after 78 minutes, converted a cross from Vanderson in the 89th minute.

The victory lifted Monaco into the Ligue 1 top three ahead of their opening Champions League game at Club Brugge on Thursday.

Takumi Minamino gave Monaco the lead in first-half added time when he slotted home to finish a counter attack.

In a match littered with fouls, Referee Romain Lissorgue handed out nine yellow cards, including six to Monaco, but of the three he showed to Auxerre players, two were to Josue Casimir, who saw the second and red after 68 minutes.

Down to ten men, Auxerre levelled when Monaco's Mohamed Salisu turned a powerful cross into his own goal after 73 minutes to give the home team brief hope.

In the early game, Jeremie Boga scored the only goal as Nice edged Nantes 1-0.

On Friday, Marseille warmed up for a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League by cruising to a 4-0 win at home to 10-man Lorient.

On Sunday, leaders Paris Saint-Germain host Lens while second-placed Lyon visit Rennes.

A.Magalhes--PC