Ligue 2: The rise of Le Mans in suspense after the interruption of the match, Saint

The Ligue 2 season ended on Saturday with decisive victories for Rodez over Annecy (2-1) and Laval over Boulogne-sur-Mer (2-1), and a match, which will be finalized after an interruption due to smoke bombs, between Le Mans and Bastia (2-0).

Published on 05/09/2026 at 22:59, updated on 05/09/2026 at 23:11. Reading time: 3min.

Caption: Midfielder Edwin Quarshie from Le Mans in a duel with Bastia’s Alexandre Zaouai, on May 9, 2026 at the Armand-Cesari stadium in Bastia. (PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP)

Tears of joy, others of distress. The Ligue 1 prelude came to an end, almost, on May 9 after a multiplex full of emotions. While the champion, Troyes, secured promotion with a brilliant victory over Saint-Etienne (3-0), the latter will have to go through playoffs as they were denied direct promotion by Le Mans. The match was interrupted, and the league will decide the outcome.

Saint-Etienne ended their losing streak by thrashing Amiens (5-0), while Le Mans secured their return after fifteen years in the lower divisions with a victory over Bastia (2-0). The playoff battle for other spots continues with dramatic encounters between various teams.

The match between Le Mans and Bastia ended in controversy due to smoke bombs, resulting in its interruption and pending league decisions. Meanwhile, Laval won their match against Boulogne-sur-Mer (2-1) to avoid relegation to the newly named Ligue 3.

Behind the fight for promotion and playoffs, Rodez emerged victorious against Annecy, securing their spot among the top teams this season. The upcoming playoffs and relegation matches mark the next phase of excitement in French football.

Promotion playoffs schedule for Ligue 1:

• Red Star – Rodez (May 12 at 8:30pm)
• Saint-Etienne – Red Star or Rodez (May 15 at 8:30pm)
• Saint-Etienne or Red Star or Rodez – 16th Ligue 1 team (two-legged tie, May 21 and 24)

Relegation playoff schedule for Ligue 3:

• 3rd place in National – Laval (two-legged tie, May 19 at 8:30pm and May 24 at 5:00pm)