Lille saw off 10-man Grenoble in an even and entertaining clash.
Yohan Cabaye opened the scoring before the hosts had David Jemmali sent off and, after Grenoble had hit the woodwork, Gervinho's late solo goal made victory secure.
Grenoble were first to threaten as Daisuke Matsui's free-kick was parried by keeper Mickael Landreau, and Lille broke straight to the other end where winger Gervinho's effort was blocked by defender Cesar.
Midway through the half, Cesar threatened in an attacking area as he met Laurent Courtois' free-kick only for Landreau to palm the ball away.
And Lille were quickly in front after Cabaye linked up well with Florent Balmont and fired across keeper Ronan Le Crom to open the scoring.
Courtois teed up Romao for a chance to equalise, Landreau saving his low shot, before Jemmali saw red for a two-footed challenge.
Adil Rami almost doubled the lead two minutes after half-time, but his close range volley from Cabaye's free-kick was superbly saved by Le Crom.
Landreau saved equally well from Nassim Akrour's powerful header before Courtois came within millimetres of levelling the scores for the hosts.
Romao's cross was met with a fine volley by full-back Courtois, the ball cannoning against the crossbar and away to safety.
And Grenoble were left to rue that near miss as Gervinho slalomed through the defence in the last minute before slotting right-footed past Le Crom from close range.
