Ligue 2 Review #15: Lorient, PFC, and Metz back to winning ways

Ligue 2 got back underway following a busy weekend of Coupe de France action, as Lorient returned to the promotion spots and Paris got back to winning ways to go a point ahead at the top of the league.

AC Ajaccio 0-2 Paris FC: Les Parisiens break winless streak

There was torrential rain on the island of Corsica which initially saw the clash between Ajaccio and league leaders Paris FC called off. But after weather conditions improved the game finally got underway in a rainy Stade François Coty on Friday evening. It was a former Ajaccio man Vincent Marchetti who opened the scoring in the second half with a sumptuous free-kick (55'). The game was close to call, but Jean-Philippe Krasso gave Les Parisiens a two-goal advantage in injury-time (90+4') to seal a return to victory. After four straight draws, Paris FC got back to winning ways and went a point ahead of Lorient in the standings.

VIDEO: Marchetti's arrowed free-kick

Lorient 2-0 Troyes: Les Merlus keep up the pressure at the top

Lorient moved back into the promotion spots with a solid 2-0 win against Troyes to keep up the pressure on the league leaders. Les Merlus were momentarily top of the league after Joel Mvuka opened the scoring in the first half with a first-time strike from the centre of the box (29'). But the all-important promotion spots will have to do for the Breton side, as Pablo Pagis unleashed a stinging strike from the edge of the box which crept into the back of the net to double the lead for FCL (71') later in the second half.

VIDEO: Pagis' Power-Strike to double Lorient's lead

Elsewhere in Ligue 2: 

• Metz were victorious against Dunkerque in a clash between two play-off contenders which saw Les Grenats go back to third place on goal difference. Two goals in injury time were enough to make the difference, Guathier Hein scoring a penalty (90') before Joel Asoro doubled the lead for the hosts only three minutes later (90+3'). 
• Amiens inflicted a seventh loss of the season on Grenoble away from home, thanks to a great strike from Nordine Kandil (55') before Rayan Lutin doubled Les Licornes' lead (71').
• Laval were victorious over Caen to keep up their push in the top 10 thanks to a solitary goal from Sam Sanna (12'). Les Normands stay in 14th, but are level on points with Troyes, Ajaccio, and Red Star in the relegation spots.
• On-loan Strasbourg goalkeeper Robin Risser made a fantastic debut for Red Star in a 0-0 draw at Stade Bauer, earning his side a point to stay level with the three teams above in Ligue 2.

VIDEO: A perfect start for Robin Risser at Red Star

After being drafted in on loan by Red Star to replace the injured Quentin Beunardeau, Robin Risser starred on his Stade Bauer debut. The French U21 international made 10 saves over the 90 minutes, earning Les Audoniens a previous point in the battle to avoid relegation. He was awarded BeIn Sports' player of the multiplex. 

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>>Ligue 2 Review #14: High-flying Dunkerque blow promotion race wide open