NANTES, France --
Nantes extended its unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions by drawing 0-0 with Saint-Etienne on Sunday to stay fifth in the French league.
Saint-Etienne came close to opening the scoring in the first half with winger Kevin Monnet-Paquet, who had a low attempt saved by goalkeeper Remy Riou in the third minute before hitting the post in the 25th.
Nantes proved more threatening in the second half, testing goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier with a low strike from forward Itay Shechter in the 56th and a long-range effort from midfielder Georges-Kevin Nkoudou in the 77th.
Riou salvaged a point for the tightest defense in the league by tipping a curling shot from Saint-Etienne substitute Max-Alain Gradel in the 88th over the bar and denying winger Romain Hamouma in stoppage time.
Saint-Etienne stayed one point behind Nantes in the standings.
