Lepaul Fires Angers to Safety with Brace Against Strasbourg

Angers officially sealed their place in Ligue 1 next season after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Strasbourg on Saturday evening in Matchday 33. Estéban Lepaul was the hero, scoring twice to complete an outstanding run of form for the SCO, who can now head into the final day with no pressure.

Lepaul leads the charge

Fresh off a vital win away at Nantes last weekend, Angers backed it up with another resolute display against a Strasbourg side still pushing for European qualification. It was Estéban Lepaul who stepped up again, delivering two clinical finishes that proved decisive.

The opener came in the 15th minute when Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr misjudged a long ball, allowing Lepaul to pounce and fire past Djordje Petrovic with a well-taken right-footed strike. Strasbourg hit back through Dilane Bakwa (43'), who levelled with a composed finish just before the break.

But Angers wasted no time after the restart. From a free-kick by Lilian Raolisoa, Lepaul rose highest to head home his second goal in the 48th minute, sending the home crowd at Stade Raymond-Kopa into celebration mode.

Safety confirmed

With this victory, Angers move to 36 points — a total that guarantees survival, as they can no longer be caught by Le Havre, who sit in 16th and in the relegation play-off spot. The turnaround under head coach Alexandre Dujeux has been nothing short of impressive, especially considering the team’s injury problems and a season spent flirting with danger.

Setback for Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, this defeat is a serious blow to their hopes of a European finish. Currently sixth in the standings, they now face a must-win match on the final day to keep their UEFA Conference League hopes alive.

THE STAT: 

Angers have put an end at Strasbourg’s 12 games undefeated streak in the league, the longest streak in Ligue 1 before Matchday 33. Strasbourg’s last 4 losses in Ligue 1 were away games (v Angers tonight, Rennes, Brest and Nice).

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