Nine-man Montpellier HSC failed to capitalise on Paris Saint-Germain's slip at the top of Ligue 1 by falling to a 1-0 defeat at Nancy.
La Pallaide were reduced to ten men just before the break when Vitorino Hilton saw red for a late challenge on Bakaye Traore.
Things got worse for the visitors in the 60th minute, when Benjamin Stambouli brought down Lossemy Karaboue inside the area.
Stambouli was shown a red card for the offence, and Andre Luiz stepped up to slot home what was to be the winner.
Montpellier's only real chance of note fell to Oliver Giroud, when he was supplied by Jamel Saihi.
Giroud fired a left-footed shot across goal but it never really troubled Guy Rolan Assembe.
Rene Girard's men now find themselves trailing PSG by two points at the top of Ligue 1.
Michael Penkman
