Ten-man St Etienne held on to secure a point in a goalless draw against Nantes at Stade de la Beaujoire.

The visitors were forced to make three substitutions in the opening 21 minutes, with Kevin Malcuit coming on for the injured Fabien Lemoine after 10 minutes and Florentin Pogba, brother of Manchester United midfielder Paul, hobbling off shortly afterwards.

Sub Malcuit was then sent off for a foul on Alex Kacaniklic in the penalty area in the 17th minute, only for Emiliano Sala to miss the resulting spot-kick.

Unlucky St Etienne lost Loic Perrin to injury after 21 minutes and Nantes went on to dominate without really creating any clear-cut opportunities.

Marius Stepinski and Sala had half-chances but Stephane Ruffier saved.