Lorient coach Sylvain Ripoll has backed the "heart and values" of his players after they earned a 1-1 draw at home to Ligue 1 table toppers Marseille on Tuesday.

The home side were able to see out a draw after striker Jordan Ayew returned to haunt his former club when he cancelled out Dimitri Payet's opener with a penalty kick in the 37th minute.

"We struggled to keep on level terms physically throughout the game," the coach told reporters after the week 16 fixture.

"Overall, we had a good first half, and we went looking for a point against a very, very good Marseille side, which makes the point all the better and shows the heart and values required to put in top-level performances."

The draw sees Ripoll's Lorient sitting in 16th spot in the Ligue 1 table.