The Nigerian international opened scoring for the Ligue 1 champions in the 27 minute, after being denied by the crossbar much earlier in the game. Utaka took advantage of Lyon's questionable defending as he maintained his composure to extravagantly dribble past three defenders before shooting into Hugo Lloris net for the opener.
Bafetimbi Gomis scored a minute before half-time to restore parity for Lyon. Emanuel Herrera converted a penalty early into the second half to restore Montpellier's lead but Jimmy Briand again equalised with a superb volley with 15 minutes left.
In the eventual penalty shoot-out, which ended 4-2 in favour of Lyon, Hugo Lloris was the hero as he saved Henri Bedimo's effort to secure the win for Lyon.
Uche George Egbe
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