Ligue 2 BKT: Red Star run riot and Davitashvili delivers for ASSE

The third matchday of the Ligue 2 BKT season provided no shortage of drama, as Red Star stunned Guingamp in Brittany, Nancy climbed near the top of the table, and AS Saint-Étienne left it late to overcome newly-promoted Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Red Star dismantle Guingamp

After Red Star impressed last season at Stade Roudourou, Grégory Poirier's men came back to Brittany and convinced with their first win of the season - and in quite some style. L'Étoile Rouge haven't had a result quite like it in Ligue 2 for a long time: but they won 4-0 over Guingamp away from home, powered by a brace from Jovany Ikanga either side of the half-time break. Ryad Hachem, and a penalty from Saîd-Eddine Khaoui sealed the result for Les Audoniens. Ikanga was the key man for Red Star with Khaoui, who provided two assists and converted a penalty won by the Red Star academy product. L'Étoile Rouge are underway for the season and in a manner which has surprised many Ligue 2 observers so far this season.

Nancy unbeaten 

AS Nancy-Lorraine remained unbeaten after three rounds, moving temporarily top of the table thanks to a 3-1 win away at Dunkerque on Friday evening. The Lorraine side came from behind after conceding in the 6th minute. But the Northerners did not hold onto their lead for long. After a poor clearance by defender Geoffrey Kondo, Brandon Bokangu recovered the ball and set up Walid Bouabdelli in the box (11'). Nancy's equaliser did not dampen Dunkirk's spirits, with Kay Tejan creating a number of chances without converting.

From a corner, Nancy captain Nicolas Saint-Ruf beat goalkeeper Marcos Lavin with a header at the near post (45th minute). In the second half, Nancy added to their lead from a corner thanks to Brandon Bokangu, who picked up the rebound and slotted it into the Dunkerque net (54'). 

Boulogne resist, but Davitashvili decisive for ASSE

In the Hauts-de-France, Boulogne-sur-Mer showed resilience against title favourites Saint-Étienne, but ultimately fell short. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Zuriko Davitashvili struck a superb finish into the corner, giving the Verts a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stade de la Libération.

Late drama at Le Mans

At the MMArena, Le Mans secured their first win of the season in dramatic fashion. Dame Gueye converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (93rd minute) to seal a 1-0 victory over Bastia.

Elsewhere in Ligue 2

• Annecy upset Amiens with a 1-0 away win, ending the hosts’ unbeaten start.
• Clermont edged Grenoble 2-1, overturning a deficit with two quick goals after the hour mark.
• Rodez and Laval shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, the only stalemate of the round.

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>>Ligue 2: ASSE & Montpellier grab first wins, Amiens turn over Red Star