The Héraultais made the difference in the last ten minutes, thanks first to an interception from Thomas Darmon in his 22 meters, which resulted in a try from Nico Janse van Rensburg, then a final penalty from the Italian international opener Paolo Garbisi.
This victory, long to take shape, ensures the MHR to remain at least one more day in the lead since it has six lengths ahead of its runner-up Bordeaux-Bègles, opposed in the evening to La Rochelle.
Four days before the end of the regular season, he is also taking an increasingly serious option on one of the first two directly qualifying places for the Top 14 semi-finals, with ten points ahead of the third.
This new failure at home, on the other hand, complicates a little more the maintenance operation of the Catalans, penultimate, who are closer than ever to a play-off match against the unfortunate finalist of the Pro D2.
Faced with a strong wind, Montpellier dominated the first period.
But the clumsiness and long cuts of video refereeing weighed down the pace of this Languedoc derby.
Philippe Saint-André's men were able to take advantage of the temporary expulsion of the third line of Usap Piula Faasalele to score in force, already thanks to the South African second line Van Rensburg, author of a double on Saturday (6-13 at halftime).
Despite ten throws lost in touch, Perpignan reacted in the second act.
Taking advantage of two Montpellier yellow cards (Anthony Bouthier and Paul Willemse), the Catalan club concretized its highlight with a try from its opener Tristan Tedder (13-13, 56th).
But the leader's opportunism eventually paid off.
Montpellier can now turn with a free spirit to the European Cup with the double confrontation against Harlequins in the round of 16.
© 2022 AFP