Ligue 2 BKT title race blows wide open as Metz Stumble and Paris FC close In

The battle for promotion to Ligue 1 took another twist over the weekend as Metz dropped vital points at home to Red Star, while Paris FC capitalised with a narrow victory over Bastia to move within touching distance of the top two.

Metz 2–2 Red Star: Grenats lose crucial ground to spirited Red Star

Metz came into the match under pressure after Paris FC’s earlier win against Bastia but were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at Saint-Symphorien by a resilient Red Star side. Kévin Van Den Kerkhof gave the hosts an early lead, volleying home a fine delivery from Matthieu Udol in the 8th minute. But Damien Durand levelled just after the half-hour mark with a messy but combative goal after some errors from the Metz defence.

Despite enjoying 73% possession, Metz found themselves behind early in the second half. A misplaced pass by Van Den Kerkhof sparked a Red Star counter, which ended with Kemo Cissé netting his fourth goal of the season with a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner (54’). Teenager Idrissa Gueye salvaged a point for Metz with a powerful header 16 minutes from time, but Gauthier Hein missed a late chance to win it.

"We tried to change the system to speed things up," said Red Star coach Grégory Poirier following the game."We knew Metz would put a lot of pressure on us, so we wanted to alternate between long possessions and quick passes behind them, into space. With our wide players, it worked. I'm pleased that we were able to use that space, it was important against a team like this."

"Beyond the point we've earned and the mathematical aspect, it's very important to achieve this result from a psychological standpoint," said the former Martigues boss on Red Star's hopes of staying in the division. "We need to maintain this mindset and keep playing well."

The draw leaves Metz three points behind Lorient and Paris FC, with only three games left to play. Meanwhile, Red Star edge four points clear of the relegation zone, a crucial result in their battle for survival before they face Clermont at Stade Bauer next Friday. 

Paris FC 1–0 Bastia: Capital club takes full advantage

Earlier in the day, Paris FC did what they needed to, securing a 1-0 win over Bastia thanks to a disciplined display and a solitary goal that keeps their automatic promotion hopes very much alive. Stéphane Gilli’s side now sit just one point behind leaders Lorient, and three ahead of Metz, putting them in a strong position with three matches remaining.

"This is a team where, no matter who I call on, the players respond," said PFC manager Stéphane Gilli following the win at Stade Charléty. "Even when you're playing at the top of the table, you can't control everything. We had a good team against us, but I think we played a consistent, solid game with values. I'm proud of these three points."

If the Parisians win their remaining fixtures – away to Rodez, away to Martigues, and at home to Ajaccio – they will secure promotion to the top tier, joining city rivals PSG in the top flight. It would be the club’s first-ever promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's.

Lorient held at Annecy, but remain in control

On Monday night, Lorient were held to a goalless draw at Annecy, a result that kept them top but saw their lead shrink. They now have a four-point cushion over Metz and just one point over Paris FC, meaning their promotion is far from guaranteed.

However, the equation is simple for Les Merlus: if they beat Caen this Saturday and Metz lose away to Pau, Lorient will secure automatic promotion to Ligue 1 with two games to spare. Any other outcome will drag the fight into the penultimate round of fixtures.

Around the grounds in Ligue 2 bkt:

• Martigues won 3-0 over SM Caen to confirm the relegation of the Normandy-based club down to the FFF National. After hopes over the summer that they would compete for promotion, the club went on a disastrous run of 20 defeats in 31 games. Despite a change in manager in Michel Der Zakarian, Les Vikings couldn't stop the rot and will be playing in the third tier next season. There is a glimmer of hope for Martigues, who sit in the relegation play-off zone four points from Red Star.
• Dunkerque got back to winning ways over Grenoble to consolidate their position in the Ligue 2 BKT play-offs. The Seasiders now sit seven points ahead of Guingamp who hold the final play-off position.

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