Ligue 2 BKT: Grenoble stun Reims, Davitashvili at the double for ASSE

The race for promotion in Ligue 2 BKT remains as tight as ever after Matchday 9, with Saint-Étienne, Troyes, and Pau locked on 20 points at the top of the table — while Reims faltered and Red Star were held.

Davitashvili double lifts Saint-Étienne past Montpellier

Two quickfire goals from Zuriko Davitashvili powered AS Saint-Étienne to a 2-0 victory away at Montpellier HSC, in a clash between two historic Ligue 1 clubs now battling to return to the top flight.

The Georgian winger opened the scoring inside two minutes before doubling his tally midway through the first half (23’), punishing a slow start from Zoumana Camara’s side.

Montpellier failed to find a response after the break and slipped to ninth, while Les Verts bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Guingamp (2-3) to move second, level on points with leaders Troyes.

Reims collapse at home to Grenoble

It was a night to forget for Karel Geraerts’ Reims, who were stunned 4-2 by struggling Grenoble at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead through Diaby (6’) and Paquiez (28’), before Keito Nakamura briefly gave the hosts hope with a fine finish. However, Reims’ defensive frailties were exposed again as Xantippe and Maurin added two more after the hour mark. Koné’s late goal offered little consolation.

The defeat ends Reims’ two-match winning streak and drops them to fifth, while Grenoble climb to 14th, easing early-season pressure.

Le Mans hold Troyes in late drama

Troyes remain top despite being held 2-2 by Le Mans FC in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Marie-Marvingt.

After a tight first half, substitute William Harhouz put the hosts ahead (61’), but Tawfik Bentayeb turned the game on its head with a quick brace (73’, 75’), taking his tally to the top of the scoring charts.

Just when Patrick Videira’s men seemed beaten, Lucas Calodat struck in stoppage time (90’+2) to earn a deserved point. Le Mans rise to 11th with the draw, while Troyes maintain their narrow lead on goal difference.

“I’m frustrated not to take all three points,” admitted Bentayeb post-match, “but it’s satisfying to be leading the scoring charts.”

Elsewhere in Ligue 2

Red Star were unable to capitalise on the slip-ups above them, drawing 1-1 with Rodez after Cissé cancelled out Nagera’s opener. The Parisian side remain fourth, three points off the leaders.

Meanwhile, Pau FC continued their superb start to the season and join the three-way tie atop the standings on 20 points, behind only on goal difference.

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