Goals by Olivier Giroud and Souleymane Camara guided Montpellier to victory over Nancy as they remained in second place in Ligue 1.
Giroud put the hosts ahead with half an hour remaining before Camara sealed victory in the 73rd minute as they kept up the pressure on leaders Paris St Germain who maintained their three-point lead following victory over Caen.
However, Montpellier did not have it all their own way and struggling Nancy twice came close late on.
It was the visitors who showed first with Loosemy Karaboue lobbing Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren, forcing Vitorino Hilton to race back and make a goalline clearance.
Giroud then threatened for Montpellier, Guy N'dy punching clear his snap shot from the edge of the area.
Neither side were dominating. Karaboue shot slightly wide before the hosts created two chances towards the end of the first half but N'dy was on top form, repelling Giroud's header and Joris Marveaux's long-range shot.
Montpellier almost went ahead 12 minutes after the break when Cyril Jeunechamp's left-footed volley was inches wide but three minutes later they did take the lead.
Giroud sent in a cross which took everyone by surprise as it went into the net.
They doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Camara slotted home Benjamin Stambouli's cut-back.
Nancy almost pulled one back three minutes later when Thomas Mangani's fierce shot was blocked on the line by Jourdren.
The visitors were then denied two minutes from time when Jordan Loties' header from Jourdren's punch beat the keeper only for Giroud to clear off the line.
