The Deception: FC Metz Closer to Ligue 2
If Benoît Tavenot’s players managed to secure a point against Le Havre after a spectacular draw (4-4), during which they were behind four times, they now know they are (almost) doomed to relegation to the second division at the end of the season.
Promoted and third in Ligue 2 last season, FC Metz (16 points), the last-placed team, is nine points adrift of the relegation playoff spot occupied by Auxerre (25 pts), with three games left. With a significantly poor goal difference (-39 against -15), the Messins are almost certain to be relegated. In a similar situation, FC Nantes is also heading straight down. The Canaries were defeated on Sunday in the derby against Stade Rennais (2-1), notably after a goal from their former player, Valentin Rongier.
The Return: Troyes Secures Promotion
Thanks to their victory over Saint-Étienne (3-0) on Saturday, Troyes has secured their return to Ligue 1 with two games to spare, completing a three-year promotion journey in which the club reached great heights despite a spell in the National league.
The Number: 2012
Stade Brestois becomes the first team not to win a Ligue 1 match after leading by three goals at halftime since Ajaccio in October 2012 (4-1 at halftime against Lorient, final score 4-4). On Friday night, Lens managed to overturn such a deficit at the end of a thrilling match.
After three goals by Daouda Guindo (7th), Lucas Tousart (24th), and Junior Dina Ebimbe (42nd), Florian Thauvin sparked a comeback at the hour mark (60th). Abdallah Sima, four minutes later, and Allan Saint-Maximin, in stoppage time, allowed the Sang et Or to leave Finistère with a point.
The Anger: Banners at Velodrome Stadium
Following a tense week since the defeat against Lorient (2-0), Marseille fans greeted their team with several banners at the stadium. One called out American owner Franck McCourt: “1. Summon their agents, 2. Hold them accountable, 3. Assert respect for the institution, 4. Stop paying them or fire them.” Another criticized the club’s management and sports project: “Ambition: UCL. 9 months of disgust: Europa Conference or nothing…” And a third declared “No to the new logo.”
The Goal: Wahi’s Panenka at Velodrome
A penalty earned by Jonathan Clauss and a panenka by Elye Wahi: Marseille was punished late in the match by their former players, Sunday night at Velodrome against Nice (1-1).
In a tense atmosphere, tensions rose between Wahi and his former teammates from Marseille, notably Leonardi Balerdi. But the former Montpellier, Lens, and Frankfurt striker remained composed against Geronimo Rulli and the hostility of the Marseille crowd, capitalizing on a youthful error from Tadjidine Mmadi.
Result: a draw that brings Nice closer to safety and distances Marseille further from the Champions League.
The Quote: “Champions League? Close and Far Too”
After the victory against Auxerre on Saturday, Corentin Tolisso inevitably mentioned the Champions League, which is within reach for Olympique Lyonnais, currently in third place. He stated, “The Champions League? It is close and far too. There are three matches left. That’s a lot. A lot can happen… We first need to qualify for the Europa League. If we make it, then we’ll see what we can achieve.”
End of Streak: Lorient’s 2nd Home Loss
Le Moustoir had been an impregnable fortress since early September. After a heavy 7-1 defeat by Lille in the 3rd round, FC Lorient had not lost at home. They defeated Monaco (3-1 at the end of September), Lyon (1-0 in early December), Marseille (2-0 in mid-April), and even managed a draw against Paris Saint-Germain (1-1 at the end of October).
