An all-Ligue 1 clash in the Coupe de la Ligue third round saw Nantes progress after a 2-1 win against Angers at Stade de la Beaujoire on Tuesday.
Argentinian forward Emiliano Sala gave the hosts a half-time lead with a powerful 25-yard strike before Adrien Thomasson scored the pick of the goals with a spectacular volley from 35 yards to double their advantage two minutes after the break.
Pierrick Capelle pulled one back for Angers from the penalty spot but despite some heavy pressure, the visitors could not get an equaliser.
Montpellier avoided a shock early exit following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Laval at Stade Francis Le Basser.
The tie could have been a potential banana skin against the bottom club in Ligue 2 but Steve Mounie put the visitors at ease with a simple header on six minutes.
Kevin Berigaud doubled the lead with a composed finish following a powerful run and neat one-two with Paul Lasne which secured Montpellier's passage to the last 16.