Montpellier move up to second as Simon Ngapandouetnbu stars in win at Rodez

Montpellier climbed to second in Ligue 2 after a convincing 3-0 victory over Rodez at the Stade Paul-Lignon, with goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu producing another impressive performance.

The match was a rearranged fixture from the ninth round. Montpellier arrived having beaten Grenoble and were aiming to secure back-to-back victories to keep up the pressure on the league leaders.

Ngapandouetnbu started in goal for Montpellier and played the full match. The sides traded chances during a goalless first half, but Nicolas Pays broke the deadlock nine minutes after the interval to put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute.

Montpellier doubled their advantage four minutes later when Lacine Megnan-Pavea made it 2-0. Daryll Benlahlou completed the scoring in the 79th minute, and Rodez were unable to respond despite their manager making tactical changes.

The result was Montpellier’s fifth win in nine matches and lifted them to second place with 18 points.

At the other end of the pitch, Ngapandouetnbu helped ensure the clean sheet with a composed display. The 23-year-old goalkeeper touched the ball 54 times and made two important interventions, including a decisive save inside his penalty area in the 96th minute.

The Cameroon international has made a strong start to the Ligue 2 campaign since joining Montpellier. Across his nine appearances this season, the Indomitable Lions goalkeeper has conceded only five goals and has kept six clean sheets.

Montpellier’s next fixture will be against Red Star in the 10th round of Ligue 2.