Jean-Pascal Mignot, Laurent Batlles, Bakary Sako and Max Gradel were on target as Saint-Etienne recorded a 4-0 win over Rennes on Sunday afternoon.
The away side started the match the stronger and almost broke the deadlock after six minutes when Jires Kembo-Ekoko struck an effort from distance, but it was thwarted by a smart block from Albin Ebondo.
St-Etienne almost took the lead moments later when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found himself through on goal, but his effort just drifted wide.
The first half brought plenty of chances for both sides and Tongo Hamed Doumbia headed just over for Rennes, before a Kevin Theophile-Catherine header brought the best out of Stephane Ruffier.
It was the home side who took the lead, however, and it came after 24 minutes when Mignot rose highest in the box to head a Banel Nicolita cross into the net.
It was Rennes who continued to dominate the match and Kembo-Ekoko went close with an effort inside the area before Ruffier denied him moments later.
The home side, entirely against the run of play, added their second after 53 minutes when Sako found Batlles and the midfielder made no mistake from close range.
It was three for Saint-Etienne after 67 minutes when Batlles returned the favour to set up Sako, who found the corner of the goal with ease.
Former Leeds man Max Gradel got in on the act late on with a cool finish on 78 minutes after good work from Sako.
Rennes dominated possession throughout the tie, but it was the home side who made their chances count.
Matt Law
