Ligue 1: Marseille hold PSG in drab 'Classique'

There was nothing "Classique" about it as Paris Saint-Germain and bitter rivals Marseille conjured up an uninspiring 0-0 draw in relentless rain in the French capital on Sunday.

Billed as the Ligue 1 clash to rival Spain's El Clasico, this was a poor advert for French football and did little to dispel the impression that reigning champions PSG are struggling to get to grips with coach Unai Emery's methods.

Misfiring PSG striker Edinson Cavani had an evening to forget and the damp stalemate leaves his side in third, two points behind Monaco and six inferior to surprise leaders Nice, who won again despite missing the injured Mario Balotelli.

"It's clear that the draw is not a good result for us," said Emery. "But the team had a good match and for 90 minutes we were in charge."

There was plenty of rain and endeavour at the Parc des Princes in Paris in the first half but precious little goal-mouth action.

Struggling in mid-table, Marseille, under new American ownership and with new coach Rudi Garcia in charge for the first time, were pinned back for long periods but the Parisians did little with the ball.

"It's a positive result. Mission accomplished as we didn't have a shot on goal," said Garcia.

Nice's forward Alassane Plea celebrates after scoring a penalty on October 23, 2016 (AFP)