Le Mans virtually secured their return to Ligue 1 on the final day of Ligue 2, but the Sarthe-based club still needs their match in Bastia to be officially confirmed. Le Mans were leading 2-0 in Furiani when the game was abandoned after flares were thrown onto the pitch. Until the result is officially confirmed, promotion is not yet guaranteed.
Le Mans had done the job on the pitch
Patrick Videira's team had controlled the evening. Erwan Colas opened the scoring in the 16th minute, pouncing on a rebound after a corner was cleared off the line. In the second half, Dame Gueye hit the crossbar, and then Milan Robin made it 2-0 in stoppage time. This second goal, scored in the 91st minute, sparked celebrations from Le Mans fans and the throwing of flares from the Corsican supporters, leading to the match being abandoned. This defeat means relegation to Ligue 3 for Bastia.
A crazy comeback after years of hardship
This promotion has a very strong value for Le Mans. The club left Ligue 1 in 2010, before experiencing a very heavy sporting and administrative fall, down to the 6th national level, with even a threat of disappearance in 2013. The return to Ligue 1 would complete a double consecutive promotion, a scenario almost unimaginable just a few seasons ago.
Saint-Étienne are on fire, but remain behind
Saint-Étienne did their part by crushing Amiens 5-0 at Geoffroy-Guichard. Joshua Duffus scored twice, before goals from Zuriko Davitashvili, Lucas Stassin, and Aimen Moueffek. Les Verts ended a run of three defeats, but it wasn't enough to secure automatic promotion: Le Mans remain ahead, pending confirmation of the result in Bastia.
The dams are taking shape
Saint-Étienne is expected to finish third and avoid the first round of the promotion playoffs. Red Star, in fourth place, will face Rodez, in fifth, on Tuesday evening. The winner of that match would then travel to Saint-Étienne on Friday to continue the race for the final promotion spot to Ligue 1. However, everything remains contingent on the official confirmation of the Bastia-Le Mans result.
Rodez snatches its place, Reims misses its chance
Rodez won 2-1 in Annecy and secured the final playoff spot. Red Star, despite a draw against Montpellier, remains in 4th place on goal difference. Reims, despite a spectacular victory against Pau and a four-goal haul from Keito Nakamura, finishes 6th: the first non-qualifying spot, resulting in enormous frustration.
Bastia on the brink of relegation
The match's interruption also puts Bastia in a critical situation. If the 2-0 scoreline is confirmed, Sporting will be relegated to Ligue 3. Amiens is also facing relegation, while Laval will have to go through a relegation playoff after their victory against Boulogne. At both the top and bottom of the table, the last matchday has therefore changed everything.
