Montpellier Hérault SC came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with Évian Thonon Gaillard FC and move six points clear at the Ligue 1 summit, but the hosts wasted the chance to stretch their advantage further when Souleymane Camara squandered an added-time penalty.

Wary of their opponents' impressive recent away form, René Girard's side started tentatively yet took the lead when Younés Belhanda scored a 43rd-minute spot kick after a foul on Olivier Giroud by goalkeeper Stephan Andersen. Évian responded within two minutes, however, restoring parity when Thomas Kahlenberg latched on to Saber Khelifa's header.

Évian went ahead when Kévin Berigaud (69) scored his sixth of the season, but with the visitors seemingly destined for a fourth consecutive away success Montpellier levelled, Giroud linking up with Camara before beating Andersen.

More drama was to follow. Three minutes into added time the home side were awarded a second penalty, prompting the dismissal of Belhanda and Cédric Mongongu, but Andersen denied Camara. The match then finished nine-a-side as Grégory Lacombe and Khelifa also saw red in a fraught finale.

Paris Saint-Germain FC can halve Montpellier's lead to three points with victory against AS Saint-Étienne on Wednesday.