Montpellier (AFP)

There is better for Nantes: the Canaries of Raymond Domenech continued their recovery in Ligue 1 by obtaining Saturday in Montpellier an interesting draw (1-1), the second in a row for the FCN, against the Héraultais in decline.

Led at half-time following a goal by defender Ambroise Oyongo (6th), Nantes had the mental resources to equalize by his young midfielder Imran Louza (51st) and obtain a new sharing of points, three days after his derby against Rennes (0-0).

In short, with the former coach of the Blues on the bench, Nantes does not lose any more and moves away a little more from 18th place.

Domenech, without winter reinforcement or injured Moses Simon, bet on continuity in Montpellier, renewing his 4-4-2, to restore confidence within a weakened group.

It only needs one more victory, perhaps next weekend in front of Lens, to fully revive the Nantes machine.

- Montpellier broken down -

The Canaries took advantage of the apathy of Montpellier, down since its defeat at home to Paris SG (1-3) on December 5.

The team of former Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian has a fourth unsuccessful match at La Mosson and falls into line (8th), far from his European hopes.

Again organized in 5-3-2, Montpellier showed realism in a balanced and not very exciting first period.

In the 6th minute, following a save by Alban Lafon on Joris Chotard, Cameroonian international Oyongo opened the scoring with a cross shot.

Nantes sometimes jostled Montpellier, but did not really succeed in endangering Swiss goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, author of a nice save on a free kick from Sébastien Corchia (30th).

But shortly after the recovery, taking advantage of the defensive laxity of Hérault, the young Nantes midfielder Louza wrapped a superb strike with his left foot close to the post to equalize (51st).

Kolo Muani even had two break points for Nantes but came up against the intervention of Omlin (68th).

At the very end of the match, Nantes goalkeeper Lafon pushed back a header from Andy Delort (89th) to ensure the draw.

And a point deserved for the Canaries of Domenech.

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