Montpellier HSC missed the opportunity to make up ground on sixth-placed Bordeaux as they were held to a goalless draw by Rennes at the Stade de la Mosson.
The hosts almost took the lead on 18 minutes when Kevin Berigaud forced a save out of Benoit Costil after being teed up by Jamel Saihi.
With half time approaching, Rennes almost edge in front when a cross from Ola Toivonen found Paul-Georges Ntep, whose effort was stopped by Geoffrey Jourdren.
On the hour mark, Daniel Congre wasted a good chance to give the home side first blood when he managed to blaze a shot from Anthony Mounier's cross over the bar from close range.
Congre threatened again late on when another Mounier delivery reached him in the area, but his shot was dragged wide of goal.
Montpellier's frustrating evening was rounded off when Hilton was dismissed in the 90th minute. La Paillade remain three points behind Bordeaux in the standings.
