Ligue 2 Review #01: New Faces & Goals Galore in Opening Matches
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The first week of Ligue 2 action saw the introduction of Metz, Clermont, and Lorient back in the second tier, whilst FC Martigues and Red Star got their first taste of action in the division. Paris FC convinced in a solid win over potential table rivals Caen, whilst Guingamp thrashed a newly-reinstated Troyes side. Here's the down low on all of the action in the second tier in an opening weekend which saw 22 goals and not a single goalless affair...
Guingamp 4-0 Troyes: Les Rouge et Noir top the table following dominant win
Guingamp secured a dominant win to finish matchday one top of the Ligue 2 table, putting four past a Troyes side managed by former Rouge et Noir coach Stéphane Dumont. Lucas Maronnier was left open at the back post to open the scoring for Guingamp before a fantastic solo effort from Jacques Siwe doubled the lead for the Breton side (33'). Substitute Taylor Luvambo would score a quickfire double (80' & 83') to secure a table-topping win for l'EAG.
Caen 0-2 Paris FC: Les Parisiens kick-off on the right foot
They battled it out for the play-off spots last year, and this campaign are hoping to both progress that step further. It was Les Parisiens who came out clear winners after a tight contest as Alimami Gory broke the deadlock with a smart finish in the box (75') before Illan Kebbal scored from the penalty spot (86') to secure a big three points.
Amiens 3-0 Red Star: Promoted Red Star punished by clinical Licornes
Amiens secured a 3-0 win over promoted side Red Star FC at Stade de la Licorne to kick-off their Ligue 2 campaign in style. Following what was an equal opening period which saw Red Star's Joachim Eickmayer hit the post, Omar Daf's side would go onto score either side of half-time via Osaze Urhoghide (43') and Louis Mafouta (46'). Antoine Arther Léautey's fabulously curled strike sealed all three points for the home side, whilst Les Audoniens received a harsh lesson on their return to Ligue 2.
Metz 1-1 Bastia: Abile Jallow's injury-time free-kick salvages a point for Les Grenats
Metz's return to Ligue 2 was marked early on by the suspension of the match due to supporters throwing tennis balls onto the pitch, but once back underway saw the Corsican side race ahead through Amine Boutrah's individual effort (38'). Les Grenats would have to wait until deep into injury time to find the equaliser: a spectacular direct free-kick effort via Ablie Jallow to send Stade Saint-Symphorien into rapture (90+8').
Clermont 2-2 Pau: Saivet strike against former side sees points shared
Clermont made their return to the second tier with new manager Sébastien Bichard and were off to a perfect start when Habib Keïta fired Les Lanciers in front following a flowing passing move (7'). Yet Khalid Boutaïb would strike only 10 minutes later with a powerful header, before Taïryk Arconte turned in an inch-perfect cross from Pathé Mboup to take the lead for Les Maynats. Yet, Clermont's new star signing (and ex-Pau midfielder) Henry Saivet would latch onto a loose ball and find the equaliser against his former side.
Martigues 0-1 Lorient: Bamba Dieng decisive for Les Merlus
Monday evening's second match saw Martigues' first-ever appearance in France's second tier following promotion from the Championnat National last season. Thierry Laurey's men made a good account of themselves against a relegated Lorient side still full of quality despite summer departures. Les Merlus striker Bamba Dieng scored the game's solitary goal which crept just over the line (61'), but secured the three points for the Breton side.
Full Ligue 2 BKT Matchday 1 Results:
- Metz 1-1 Bastia
- Martigues 0-1 Lorient
- Caen 0-2 Paris FC
- Ajaccio 1-0 Rodez
- Amiens 3-0 Red Star FC
- Guingamp 4-0 Troyes
- Grenoble 2-1 Laval
- Dunkerque 0-2 Annecy
- Clermont 2-2 Pau
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