The Montpellier residents showed more realism and accuracy to score at the heart of each period, two tries by their internationals Paul Willemse (25th) and Anthony Bouthier (60th).
The MHR, connected to alternating current, reacted well a week after its downfall in Bordeaux-Bègles (40-10) and went back to sixth place in a very tight Top 14.
The French champion, disturbed behind the scenes by various tensions, was somewhat reassured before tackling an essential match in the Champions Cup on Saturday on the lawn of the Welsh Ospreys.
Racing recovers the defensive bonus, but can harbor regrets.
With a draw - in Castres (26-26) - and four defeats in five matches in all competitions, he is going through a difficult period, but clings to fifth place in the Top 14.
Defeated twice in as many Champions Cup matches, Henry Chavancy's partners showed great things throughout this real championship shock, but lacked precision in their game, especially in the last quarter of an hour, to hope for better.
Dominated during the first twenty minutes by an enterprising but approximate Ile-de-France team, Montpellier held up well around its solid defense before regaining control of the match.
Rather effective in conquest, especially in touch, the Saint-André team boosted the game to register a try by the second international line Paul Willemse (25th), following a breakthrough from the third line Alexandre Bécognée.
Then, the MHR lacked realism to complete two attacks (36th, 39th), but managed to lead at the break (10-3) against Ciel et Blanc.
Montpellier rocked the game on the hour mark by scoring a second try by the back Anthony Bouthier after a magnificent movement (60th), punctuating an endless action where the Ile-de-France residents could very well have also scored before be countered by the Héraultais.
If Racing 92, through its third row Ibrahim Diallo (74th), had a try denied on video in a breathless end to the match, it reduced the gap with two penalties (68th, 78th) from the Scottish flyhalf Finn Russell to snatch a defensive bonus.
© 2023 AFP