Bastia blunted by Montpellier

Rolland Courbis earned his first point since taking charge of Montpellier for a second time as they drew 0-0 at Bastia.

Rolland Courbis earned his first point since taking charge of Montpellier for a second time although they are still without a win since October 6 following a goalless draw at Bastia. Montpellier have now claimed just five points in the 10 matches since their last victory against Lyon over two months ago, a run that has left them hovering above the relegation zone. They go into the winter break just two points above the bottom three teams although they were fortunate to emerge with a draw at the Stade Armand Cesari, with Bastia, who ended a run of three successive defeats, creating more chances. Visiting goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren had to fantastically tip away at full stretch on-loan Marseille midfielder Florian Raspentino's stinging volley from Drissa Diakite's cross. Brazilian Ilan tested Jourdren again with a curling effort from the edge of the area, while at the other end, Victor Montano headed wide. Bastia ended the half strongly, though, and Jourdren was called into action once more with Ryad Boudebouz teeing up Gianni Bruno, whose effort drew a decent save from the Montpellier custodian. At the start of the second half Remy Cabella attempted to catch out Mickael Landreau, but the Bastia shot-stopper was not fooled by the midfielder's lob from just outside the box. Bastia were still in the ascendancy and Bruno was once again thwarted by Jourdren, who first denied the Belgian in a one-on-one opportunity before keeping out his close range effort shortly afterwards. The hosts were nearly hit with a suckerpunch in the closing stages as Souleymane Camara went clean through on goal, only to see his strike saved by Landreau as the spoils were shared.