The terrier-like midfielder, who shot to prominence helping France to the World Cup final in Germany this summer, opened his account for the season with Marseille's opener on 45 minutes.

Toifilou Maoulida put Marseille further ahead four minutes after the break with Mickael Pagis completing the good work late on.

"It's a relief to have scored this evening," said Ribery, nicknamed 'Scarface' as his face bears the legacy of a horrific car accident in his youth.

Auxerre manager Jean Fernandez could be forgiven for having mixed feelings about Ribery's goal as he played a pivotal role in the 23-year-old's success as manager of Marseille last season.

Coming after last weekend's 2-0 win over Rennes this win at the Abbe-Deschamps stadium left Marseille sitting pretty atop the table on goal difference from Nancy ahead of Saturday's late games.

Auxerre in contrast are still looking for their first win of the new campaign and their cause was not helped here with Kanga Akale's 51st minute sending off for hitting Ronald Zubar.

Ribery set Marseille on their way with one of his trademark charges up the midfield before finding Mamadou Niang in the box.

The Senegal striker flicked on to Pagis with Ribery foxing Auxerre keeper Fabien Cool to chip into an open goal to win back the hearts of the visiting fans upset at his summer dalliance with Lyon.

Ribery, in reference to his rocky early season relationship with the Velodrome supporters since his return after the World Cup, reflected: "I've had some difficult days. But now, things are going fine with the fans.

"Since my first day back in training I've always been there for them.

"The aim now is for Marseille to finish in the top three but we can't get carried away."

He then offered some comforting words to his former mentor and coach, Fernandez who replaced Jacques Santini at Auxerre.

"I'm disappointed for him. He's someone I respect a great deal, who has supported me a lot.

"In life you have to make choices. He's chosen Auxerre. Why? We don't know."

Ribery was at the heart of Marseille's second in the 49th minute when he outran the Auxerre defence, passing to Niang on the left with his cross falling to Maoulida to put Marseille firmly in command.

Niang produced another perfect cross for Pagis to put the game beyond doubt with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Later the relief was almost palpable at Parc des Princes where Paris Saint Germain bagged their first victory of the fledgling campaign, a 1-0 affair over Lille with Portuguese international Pedro Pauleta producing the 60th minute winner.

Le Mans moved up into second on goal difference after a 3-2 triumph over newly promoted Valenciennes, but former Champions League finalists Monaco were held 1-1 away to Rennes.

The games between Lens v Lorient, Sedan v Sochaux and Nantes v Troyes ended with identical scorelines, while Saint Etienne earned their second success of the season with a 1-0 win over Nancy.