Lille claimed local bragging rights in emphatic style with a 4-0 thrashing of Valenciennes in Ligue 1.

Lille coach Rudi Garcia had stressed the importance of the "derby" clash - the clubs are 32 miles apart - and will have been delighted with the result.

Pierre-Alain Frau put the home side in front just before the interval and second-half goals from Gervinho (two) and Yohan Cabaye completed the rout.

Valenciennes had the first chance after eight minutes when Fahid Ben Khalfallah's shot was held by goalkeeper Mickael Landreau at the second attempt.

The home side then threatened through Gervinho, who went round goalkeeper Guy Rolland N'Dy Assembe only to see defender Gaetan Bong get back to clear his shot off the line.

Lille eventually took the lead as half-time approached, Frau heading home from Cabaye's corner, and they almost made it two in injury time as Gervinho's shot forced a superb reflex save from N'Dy Assembe.

Gervinho soon got on the scoresheet in the second half, beating several defenders in the area before firing across the goalkeeper and into the net.

And the Brazilian ended the match as a contest on the hour mark, finishing a swift counter attack from a tight angle.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors four minutes from time as they conceded a fourth goal from the penalty spot.

Substitute Eden Hazard was brought down in the penalty area and Cabaye stepped up to beat N'Dy Assembe from the spot.