Matthis Abline nets first goal of the season in Nantes win over Paris FC

Nantes ended a run of five games without a win by taking all three points against Paris FC in an entertaining encounter at the Stade Jean Bouin (1-2).

A lightning start from Les Canaris

It took Nantes less than two minutes to take the lead. It was a thrilling transition from the visitors, who got down the left thanks to some excellent work from Louis Leroux, but Youssef El-Arabi still had a lot to do. However, the Moroccan finished emphatically from outside the box, beating Obed Nkambadio with a driven effort into the bottom corner.

Luís Castro's side looked dangerous whenever they had the ball, even though they had much less possession than the home side. Junior Mwanga drove a shot wide of the near post from another transitional moment, but Paris FC had their chances, too.

Their opener was another stunning finish. Pierre Lees-Melou attempted a spectacular scissor kick from outside the box, which, had it gone in, would have been a goal of the season contender. It was nowhere near the target, but it did find Samir Chergui, who, on the swivel, finished first-time with a half-volley into the top corner.

But Nantes would soon regain their advantage. In a game of spectacular goals, this one topped the lot. As Paris FC cleared their lines from a corner, Matthis Abline set himself up for a spectacular half-volley, venomously hit, leaving Nakambadio little chance.

Top player. Matthis Abline. 🔟💫 pic.twitter.com/NqMy2aDTbF
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 24, 2025

It is a big moment for Abline and for Nantes. The France youth international was so important to Les Canaris last season, finishing the Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign as their top-scorer with nine goals.

That was his first of this campaign as he marked a return to form at the Stade Jean Bouin.

But in what was an open and entertaining game, Paris FC pushed for an equaliser before the break. Ilan Kebbal went close with an effort that was well parried by Anthony Lopes.

A first away win for Nantes

Kebbal then had one of Les Parisiens' best chances in the second half, but after a turnover deep in the Nantes half, he couldn't find the target, firing just over. Paris FC could not match the efficiency of their opponents on the night.

However, Les Canaris did miss a late chance to put the game beyond their opponents. It was the excellent Abline at the heart of yet another breakaway. He slipped in Herba Guirassy, who beat Nkambadio but then couldn't finish from a tight angle, striking the outside of the post. It was inconsequential as Nantes held on to secure their second win of the campaign, and their first away from home.

The Stat: 7

Paris FC have a torrid record against Nantes. Les Parisiens have lost each of their seven Ligue 1 McDonald's games against Les Canaris. Equally, Nantes become the seventh team to win their first seven games against a Ligue 1 McDonald's opponent.

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