Ligue 2 BKT: Troyes pull clear at the top

Red Star FC and Stade de Reims played out a goalless draw on Saturday evening in a key Ligue 2 promotion clash, a result that ultimately suited neither side as Troyes strengthened their grip on top spot.

In a tense and tightly contested encounter at Stade Bauer, clear-cut chances were at a premium and neither promotion contender managed to find a breakthrough. While both sides extended their unbeaten runs, the stalemate allowed their rivals to gain ground.

Reims, held to a 0-0 draw away from home, move provisionally into third place on 29 points. Taking a point from a difficult trip to Bauer was far from insignificant, but the Champagne club missed the opportunity to close the gap on the leading pack. “It’s a good point,” Reims forward Norman Bassette told beIN Sports, “even if we would have liked more.”

Red Star, meanwhile, remain fifth with 29 points, although the Audoniens still have a match in hand following the abandoned fixture in Bastia. Defensive solidity was once again evident, but the lack of attacking incision prevented them from fully capitalising on home advantage.

Saint-Étienne Fail to Capitalise

AS Saint-Étienne were also unable to take advantage of the draw between Red Star and Reims, conceding a 2-2 home draw against Bastia later on Saturday. The Verts found themselves trailing at the break after goals from Jérémy Sebas and Félix Tomi, despite Bastia registering just two shots on target.

A brace from Georgian winger Zuriko Davitashvili restored parity, and Saint-Étienne came agonisingly close to victory when Florian Tardieu’s late penalty was saved by Bastia goalkeeper Johny Placide. Saint-Étienne remain second on 30 points, missing the chance to open a gap over their promotion rivals.

Troyes Strike Late to Extend Lead

The big winners of the weekend were ESTAC Troyes, who pulled five points clear at the top of Ligue 2 thanks to a dramatic 2-1 victory at Boulogne-sur-Mer on Monday night.

After taking an early lead through Antoine Mille, Troyes were pegged back by an own goal from Adrien Monfray. Boulogne came close to turning the match on its head late on, but Hillel Konaté saved a penalty with ten minutes remaining.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Renaud Ripart struck the decisive goal to hand Troyes their 10th win of the season. “It may not have been the prettiest match,” Ripart admitted, “but it tastes really good.”

At the halfway point of the season, Troyes sit top on 35 points, ahead of Saint-Étienne and Le Mans, with Reims and Red Star now six points adrift.

READ MORE: 

>>Ligue 2 BKT: Reims move onto podium, Dunkerque defeat ASSE