Rennes missed the chance to end their seven-game winless run as Ola Toivonen's first goal since November was cancelled out by a Lucas Ocampos strike in a 1-1 draw with Marseille.
Pedro Henrique nearly opened the scoring when he collected Toivonen's clever pass on 10 minutes, but the Brazilian midfielder could only fire over the top of Steve Mandanda's goal.
Mandanda then reacted quickly to beat away a Henrique free kick before Toivonen put the home side ahead when he volleyed home from Vincent Pajot's knockdown.
Rennes then had a strong shout for a penalty waved away by referee Amaury Delerue, after Jeremy Morel appeared to handle the ball inside the Marseille box.
Half-time substitute Ocampos dragged Marseille back into the game when he levelled proceedings against the run of play on the hour mark, flicking home at the near post from a corner.
Andre-Pierre Gignac wasted a late chance to snatch all three points for Marcelo Bielsa's side, who would have gone top ahead of Lyon's clash with third-placed Paris Saint-Germian tomorrow with a win.
Mario Lemina was then sent off for throwing a punch at Toivonen as tempers flared in the dying minutes, but Rennes held on for a point.
Joe Sharratt
