Montpellier HSC have pegged back Caen to reach the half-time interval at 1-1 in the north of France.
It was a bright start from the visitors, but they missed a great chance in just the third minute when Joris Marveaux's header from a Ryad Boudebouz cross was kept out by Remi Vercoutre.
When the opening goal did arrive, it was the home fans celebrating as a patient passing move ended with Herve Bazile picking out Ronny Rodelin, who kept his composure to find the bottom corner.
After such a poor start to the season, Montpellier's travelling supporters may have expected the worst but they were given a chance to get back on level terms when Jordan Adeoti brought down Bryan Dabo in the box.
Jonas Martin stepped up to fire home the penalty and ensure that Montpellier were on level terms when the referee brought the first half to a close.
