Montpellier's charge for the Ligue 1 title has taken a minor dent after a fiery draw with Evian at the Stade de la Mosson.

The league's top scorer Olivier Giroud started the game dangerously with two early efforts almost finding the net as Montpellier began well.

It wasn't until the 40th minute that the deadlock was broken as Giroud drew a foul from Stephan Andersen in the area, with Younes Belhanda converting from 12 yards.

Montpellier's lead lasted minutes, however, as Evian equalised before the break when Thomas Kahlenberg found the net.

League leaders Montpellier dominated after the interval but found themselves surprisingly behind when Kevin Berigaud tapped home from close range with 20 minutes to play.

Montpellier equalised with six minutes of normal time left when Giroud found the net for the 21st time this season from a Souleymane Camara pass.

Although there were no more goals, actions was aplenty after the 90-minute mark as four players saw red after an on-field brawl following the award of a penalty.

Cedric Mongongu and Saber Khelifa were dismissed for Evian, while Belhanda was given his marching orders in a feisty ending. Unused Montpellier substitute Gregory Lacombe was also sent off as the game stretched into nine minutes of injury time.

Montpellier failed to nick victory as Camara missed from the spot after a five-minute delay to end a hectic match.

A point sees Montpellier stretch their lead at the top to six points, while chasing Paris Saint-Germain have a single game in hand.