Ligue 1 Multiplex: Brest and Le Havre ease relegation fears as Lorient are held by Metz

The first Ligue 1 McDonald's multiplex of 2026 delivered movement at the bottom half of the table, with Brest and Le Havre both returning to winning ways, while Lorient were frustrated at home by Metz in a clash between promoted sides.

Brest back on track against Auxerre

At the Stade Francis-Le Blé, Brest claimed a controlled 2–0 victory over Auxerre, lifting Éric Roy’s side up to 11th place and further away from the relegation zone.

The breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark, when Ludovic Ajorque finally rediscovered the scoring touch, cleverly finishing after good work down the right. The striker later turned provider, teeing up Joris Chotard, who sealed the win with a fine volley late on.

Brest dominated proceedings without needing to overextend themselves, managing the game well and limiting Auxerre to very little going forward. For the Bretons, Ajorque’s return to form could prove decisive as the season enters its second half.

First goal of the season for Bamba Dieng 🇸🇳🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nIUeLpFf2t
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 4, 2026

Youthful Le Havre breathe again

At the Stade Océane, Le Havre picked up a crucial 2–1 win over Angers, ending a long winless run and gaining valuable breathing space in the standings.

The opener came via young midfielder Quetant, who rifled a superb strike into the top corner. Angers responded after the break through Mouton, but Le Havre showed resilience and maturity beyond their years. The decisive goal arrived ten minutes from time, as Obougou coolly finished to cap a strong performance from the club’s emerging talents.

The result lifts Le Havre to 13th, opening up a small cushion over the relegation places and restoring belief after a difficult end to 2025.

Lorient frustrated by stubborn Metz

At the Stade du Moustoir, Lorient were held to a 1–1 draw by bottom side Metz, a result that will feel like a missed opportunity for the home side.

Metz struck first through Sané, capitalising on a corner despite sustained Lorient pressure. The Merlus eventually found a way back into the match after the break, with substitute Bamba setting up Dieng, who finished calmly to equalise.

Lorient pushed hard for a winner, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves, but Metz defended deep and held firm to earn a precious point. While Lorient remain 12th, the draw prevents them from fully pulling away from the danger zone.

A tense battle at the bottom

With Brest and Le Havre both taking three points, the lower half of the Ligue 1 table tightened further on Sunday afternoon. Lorient’s draw keeps them moving in the right direction, but the fight to avoid relegation promises to remain intense as the calendar turns to 2026.