Toulouse's battle to beat the Ligue 1 drop was boosted as they shocked sixth-placed Bordeaux 2-1 to register a first victory in five games.
Wissam Ben Yedder and Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik were on target for Toulouse and Bordeaux's misery was completed in stoppage time when Senegalese defender Ludovic Sane was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Toulouse made all the early running with Oscar Trejo going close before Yann Bodiger's 16th minute pass freed Ben Yedder who finished in style past Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso.
But Bordeaux levelled after 27 minutes as Isaac Kiese Thelin pounced on Marcel Tisserand's poor clearance and fed Diego Rolan to score from close range.
Bordeaux finished the half on top as Whabi Kazri tested Toulouse goalkeeper Ali Ahamada and Tiago Ilori went close after the restart.
Toulouse regained the lead after 59 minutes when Francois Moubandje crossed and Cameroon striker Kana-Biyik climbed superbly above two defenders to head home.
Ahamada preserved the lead by blocking Thelin's effort and Toulouse almost wrapped up the points six minutes from time as Carrasso stopped Tongo Doumbia's 20-yard drive after Bodiger had led a swift counter-attack.
But they held on for a precious three points as Sane's red card reduced Bordeaux to 10 men for the final moments.