10-man Montpellier claim a point

Defending Ligue 1 champions Montpellier held on for a point in a 1-1 draw against Valenciennes with 10 men.

Defending Ligue 1 champions Montpellier held on for a point against Valenciennes despite playing for more than 30 minutes with 10 men. Gaetan Charbonnier gave Montpellier the lead after 15 minutes, but the home side were level before the break thanks to Gregory Pujol. Valenciennes looked strong favourites to go on and claim all three points when Jamel Saihi was sent off just 11 minutes into the second half, but the 10 men of Montpellier went closest to a winner when Souleymane Camara hit the post with an overhead kick. Valenciennes could also point to a narrow miss as early as the second minute when Geoffrey Jourdren saved Anthony Le Tallec's initial header but was then grateful to see Mathieu Dossevi's subsequent shot hit the woodwork. Montpellier made the most of their reprieve and went ahead when Charbonnier collected a clever pass from Anthony Mounier in the area before volleying past goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau. Le Tallec drew a good save from Jourdren after 25 minutes before the home side drew level, Le Tallec turning provider to set up Pujol to fire home a low drive. Montpellier's hopes suffered a massive blow in the 56th minute when Saihi was sent off for a tackle on behind on Gael Danic, although replays suggested the challenge was not worthy of a red card. But the visitors shrugged off their numerical disadvantage and almost retook the lead after 61 minutes when Camara's spectacular effort hit the post, while the same player later headed inches over.