PARIS - French strugglers Grenoble avoided equalling Manchester United's European club record losing streak of 12 matches when they drew 0-0 at Monaco on Saturday to register their first point of the season.The club's first 11 games brought just five goals for 23 conceded and although the goal famine continued at the Stade Louis II the alpine side did at least manage to register a clean sheet.
But they remain seven points behind second bottom Le Mans, who went down at home 1-0 to high-riding Auxerre.
Manchester United, ironically for their later successes, set the record poor start in England in the 1930-31 season in which they eventually finished last and were relegated.
It was not until Matt Busby took over in the 1950s that the Reds started to rise to the forefront.
Grenoble coach Mehmet Bazsarevic insisted beforehand his side would eventually pull out of their slump and in holding a side who entered the weekend in third place his charges proved he - and now they - have a point.
"That's the logical outcome of the past three matches - and mentally it makes a difference. We showed we aren't so bad. But we are still a fair bit adrift of our rivals," said Bazsarevic.
Guy Lacombe, the Monaco coach, blasted a "poor performance. But I take my hat off to Grenoble, who are not a second-tier side."
Lacombe suggested his side pull their socks up - hinting he was particularly unimpressed with Iceland forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, a summer signing from Barcelona who has yet to score this season.
Monaco's dropped points and Auxerre's win, courtesy of a second-half own goal by Le Mans defender Joao Paulo Andrade, means Auxerre, the 1996 champions, go joint second with Lyon, who after their Champions League exploits against Liverpool host potential title rivals in Marseille.
Both Auxerre and Lyon have 23 points, two behind champions Bordeaux, who travel to struggling Lille on Sunday.
Paris Saint Germain show no sign of being able to rise to prominence after a famine period comprising a 15-year league title drought.
Saturday's home loss to Nice came after a last-gasp sucker punch goal at the Parc des Princes from Loic Remy meaning PSG drop out of the top ten with Nice leapfrogging them.
Lorient bolstered their hopes of a campaign for a European after swatting fourth-bottom Boulogne 5-0 while Montpellier are also keeping in touch with the leading pack after a 1-1 draw at Valenciennes, who are themnselves flirting with the top six.
Sochaux were meeting Lens in the late match in a battle of two sides who have seen better days, although if the former were to beat their 1998 champions but now third-bottom rivals they would push PSG evn further down the table.