Sunday was filled with intense Ligue 1 matches, featuring some unexpected results. FC Lorient and FC Nantes emerged victorious in crucial encounters, while Clermont Foot managed to secure a valuable point. Here's a recap of the action.
Stade Rennais 1-0 Le Havre
The game was closely fought, with neither team managing to score in the first half. Rennes clinched a narrow victory when Benjamin Bourigeaud netted the only goal in the 60th minute. Under Julien Stéphan's management, Rennes maintained its impressive performance, extending its unbeaten streak to nine games in all competitions.
On Thursday, Rennes will aim to stretch their winning streak to ten games as they journey to the San Siro to face AC Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off.
FC Lorient 2-0 Stade de Reims
Both teams came to play offensive football, as Lorient had 17 total shots and Reims had 23 total shots, but it was Les Merlus who found the back of the net. Mohamed Bamba opened the scoring in the 70th minute, and Tiémoué Bakayoko added an insurance goal to seal the win in the 87th minute.
Lorient has secured consecutive victories in Ligue 1 for the first time this season, and these crucial points arrive at a pivotal moment, aiding their efforts to steer clear of relegation. As for Reims, the unexpected defeat against a team battling relegation stings, particularly given the intense competition for a place in Europe next season.
FC Nantes 2-1 Toulouse FC
With only five total shots in 90 minutes, Nantes scored two goals and withstood the 16 total shots that Toulouse registered for the victory. Mostafa Mohamed opened the scoring less than five minutes into the contest, and Tino Kadewere added the second goal, which proved crucial as Toulouse registered their goal in the second-half stoppage time.
Nantes adds three points to move themselves away from the relegation zone while the loss puts Toulouse one point above the relegation playoff spot.
Clermont Foot 1-1 Stade Brestois
Brest opened the scoring in the matchup with a goal from Pierre Lees-Melou in the 50th minute, but Pascal Gastien’s team responded as Grejohn Kyei leveled the scoring in the 69th minute.
Clermont Foot continues to occupy a spot in the relegation zone but are showing promising form, securing a draw against a competitive Brest team vying for a UEFA Champions League spot next season. Les Lanciers have recorded one victory, two draws, and just one defeat in their past four Ligue 1 matches.
