Lille's chances of finishing in the top three in Ligue 1 this season have suffered a blow with a 2-1 home defeat to Evian Thonon Gaillard.

The hosts surged ahead as early as the seven minute through Salomon Kalou, who shot home from close range after receiving a Djibril Sidibe cross.

However, Evian restored parity on the half-hour mark when Cedric Barbosa sent through Saber Khelifa to slot home with ease.

Dimitri Payet had a chance for Lille in the opening minute of the second half but saw his attempt saved by Evian goalkeeper Bertrand Laquait, before Kalou headed just wide from a corner.

Lille continued to dominate proceedings in the second half with a number of chances, but fell behind in the 69th minute through a Kalou own goal.

The former Chelsea man had a glorious chance to redeem himself just five minutes later when he stepped up to take a penalty.

However, Kalou failed to keep his spot kick on target as Evian ran down the final minutes for a narrow 2-1 victory.