Ligue 1 is experiencing a surge of late goals this 2023-24 season, with 20 goals scored during the second half of extra time, including eight after the 95th minute.
Furthermore, the eight goals after the 95th minute in the top flight this season are already as many as last season, and the previous campaign was the most prolific in the last 15 years.
The latest goal a player has scored this season was by Moses Simon in the September clash between FC Nantes and FC Lorient. Simon scored at the 98th minute and 10-second mark, an insurance goal for Nantes in their 5-3 win.
Romain Faivre's goal is the second-latest scored behind Simon's so far this season. However, the Lorient player's dramatic strike affected the standings. Faivre scored the game-tying goal against AS Monaco in the 97th minute and five-second mark.
Lorient scoring late goals shouldn't be a surprise, considering they're one of the top teams with two goals in the second half's extra time. Additionally, their two goals have earned them two points they otherwise wouldn't have. Since Lorient is in a relegation battle, each point matters.
Outside of Lorient, Stade Rennais FC and RC Strasbourg Alsace are the only two teams to have scored more than once in added time at home this season. Away sides have scored nine of the league’s 20 goals in stoppage time. So far, no squad has scored more than one away goal in stoppage time.
Thus, the hope remains that this growing trend for more dramatic endings will captivate audiences and make them stick with any game until it's over, as one dramatic goal (or even goals) could change the outcome.
