Nantes have beaten a nine-man Montpellier HSC side in Ligue 1 this evening, thanks to first-half goals from Serge Gakpe and Koffi Djidji.

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Gakpe gave Nantes the lead after only three minutes when he finished with his right foot from a difficult angle, having been picked out by Banel Nicolita's cross.

The striker turned provided in the 21st minute as he delivered a good ball for Djidji, who thumped home with his head to make it 2-0.

Montpellier fought their way back into the contest, however, as they put Djidji under enough pressure to force the Nantes man to put the ball into his own goal.

The visitors' chances of a comeback took a blow before half time, as Joris Marveaux was shown a straight red for a poor challenge on Lucas Deaux.

Daniel Congre was the source of controversy late on as he was shown a straight red for a foul in the box, but Itay Shechter missed the chance to make it 3-1 as he saw his penalty saved.