Metz were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Nantes in Ligue 1, despite playing against 10 men for more than half the match.
The visitors suffered a major setback in the 39th minute when defender Tylel Tati was shown a straight red card, forcing Les Canaris into a defensive battle for the remainder of the contest.
Metz controlled possession with 66.2 percent of the ball and registered 19 attempts on goal, but they could not find a way past goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who made five important saves to preserve a point for Nantes.
The hosts thought they had snatched a dramatic winner deep into second-half stoppage time when Gauthier Hein found the net, only for VAR to rule the effort out in the sixth minute of added time.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin played a key role in Metz’s dominance, completing 66 of his 68 passes and creating a big chance. Nantes, meanwhile, were forced into a deep defensive display after the red card, finishing with 27 clearances.
Metz also sent in 28 crosses with moderate accuracy, but striker Habib Diallo failed to make the most of his opportunities, with all three of his attempts missing the target.
The result leaves Metz in 18th place ahead of a trip to Marseille, while Nantes remain 17th and will next face Auxerre.
