Montpellier wasted little time in taking the lead inside 12 minutes, after a piece of skill from Wahbi Khazri saw him eluded the grasp of Matteo Guendouzi and launch a counter-attack that saw Arnaud Nordin convert the opener from close range.
Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace centre-back Mamadou Sakho took to the field midway through the opening period, with Boubacar Kouyate requiring medical assistance.
But the Frenchman quickly turned villain for his side, giving away a penalty in the 44th minute and picking up a booking for handball, with Guendouzi stepping up to convert from 12 yards into the bottom corner.