Montpellier and Nantes parted with a parity score this Friday for the 31st day of Ligue 1 (1-1).
A frosty reunion between Michel Der Zakarian and FC Nantes, a controversy against a backdrop of hypothetical bonuses and a significant stake for these two French champions stuck in the second part of the ranking: this Montpellier-Nantes aroused curiosity, this Friday evening, for the opening of the 31st day of Ligue 1.
Respectively 12th and 14th at kick-off, the MHSC and the FCN approached this meeting with the idea of taking a breath of fresh air in the race to maintain their position. If successful, La Paillade could distance itself from the Canaries by relegating its opponent of the day to 8 points. Otherwise, Antoine Kombouaré’s training could return to its host’s rearview mirror. But there was no winner, ultimately, in this meeting where everything was decided from the first minutes.
Montpellier and Nantes neutralize each other from the outset
There was no need to arrive late since the Montpellier residents broke the deadlock in the 2nd minute of play with a counter masterfully orchestrated by Savanier, and concluded by Adams (1-0, 2nd). Very inspired, Savanier could have doubled the bet on an exceptional sequence but it was the Canaries, piqued in their pride, who revolted in the process. In great form for several weeks, Abline equalized with a well-aimed pointer (1-1, 7th).
Both teams had the situations to regain the advantage in a contested and intense meeting, but the score did not change. A lesser evil for two teams who will have to put in one last effort to save their place among the elite.
