Montpellier HSC held off a strong challenge from 10-man Lorient to record their first Ligue 1 win of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Ramy Bensebaini and Jonas Martin proved enough for the hosts to record a 2-1 victory on their own patch.
The former French champions entered the match having failed to win any of their opening seven games of the new season, but they were 1-0 ahead in the sixth minute when Bensebaini finished from inside the box.
An open and entertaining first period produced no more goals, but Lorient were level early in the second half through Rafidine Abdullah.
The two teams were on terms for just 10 minutes, however, with Martin, who was booked for his celebration, sending the home side 2-1 ahead just before the hour.
Both had chances to add to the scoring as the second period developed, but Lorient's frustration got the better of them late on as Abdullah was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Montpellier remain in the Ligue 1 relegation zone despite the win, while Lorient have dropped to 10th following their third league defeat of the season.
Matt Law
