Nice made Ligue 1 history as they scored six first-half goals on their way to trouncing Saint-Etienne.

They marked their 120th anniversary by thrashing the visitors in style, became the first team to score six first-half goals in the French top flight in the 21st century.

Dylan Batubinsika turned Jonathan Clauss’ cross into his own net to give them the lead after four minutes, then Tanguy Ndombele made it 2-0.

Nice were relentless in their pursuit for further goals and Saint-Etienne cracked 17 minutes later, when Mohamed-Ali Cho scored the third. Two minutes later Youssoufa Moukoko netted the fourth.

Evann Guessand and Moukoko dealt further blows to make it 6-0 by the time Saint-Etienne had the much-needed respite of the half-time whistle.

The second half was more muted in comparison, but Nice still managed to extend their lead. Sofiane Diop netted in the 75th minute before Pablo Rosario converted an 86th-minute penalty to round off a stunning display.

Nice are sixth in Ligue 1 with seven points from five games. Saint-Etienne, who won the play-off to earn promotion to France’s top flight at the end of last term, are two points and two places off the bottom of the table.