Saint-Etienne have kept their hopes of Champions League qualification alive with a comprehensive win over mid-table Nantes.

Les Verts took the lead as early as the 10th minute when Melvut Erding rose highest to head home Max Gradel's cross.

Midway through the first half, Erding was bundled over the penalty area by Koffi Djidji and Gradel tucked away the subsequent spot kick, beyond the reach of Remy Riou the Nantes goal.

Before the interval, Saint-Etienne were all but certain of the points when Erding was played in by Kurt Zouma and the Turkish forward made no mistake in finding the net.

Serge Gakpe pulled a goal back for Nantes, but it was a mere consolation as Les Verts ran out deserved victors.

The result means that Saint-Etienne are only two points behind third-placed Lille, who lost at home to Paris Saint-Germain.