Ligue 2 BKT: Montanier arrives at Saint-Étienne, Le Mans stun Troyes, Reims hold firm
Managerial upheaval, a shock result at the top, and fine margins in the promotion race defined Matchday 21 in Ligue 2 BKT, with Saint-Étienne opting for experience on the bench, Le Mans producing the result of the weekend away at Troyes, and Reims taking full advantage to consolidate their place in the automatic promotion positions.
Montanier appointed as Saint-Étienne head coach
Fifth in the table, AS Saint-Étienne confirmed on Sunday the appointment of Philippe Montanier as their new head coach.
The 61-year-old replaces Eirik Horneland, who was dismissed on Saturday evening following a run of disappointing results.
Montanier, who ended his playing career at Saint-Étienne, has signed a contract until the end of the season with an option for an additional year. His brief is clear: push the Verts back into the automatic promotion race, with ASSE currently four points off second place.
Horneland’s reign ends in defeat
Saint-Étienne’s final match under Horneland ended in a 1–0 home defeat to US Boulogne-sur-Mer.
An early goal conceded, followed by João Ferreira’s red card in the 26th minute, left the hosts chasing the game. Despite second-half pressure, the Verts failed to find an equaliser and slipped to a second straight loss, remaining fifth on 34 points.
Le Mans deliver the shock of the round
The standout result of the weekend came at the Stade de l’Aube, where Le Mans FC defeated leaders ES Troyes AC 2–0 away from home. It's a historic achievement for the promoted side, who have now gone 15 unbeaten in Ligue 2 BKT this season.
Goals from Erwan Colas (34’) and Harold Voyer (45’+2) gave Le Mans a commanding first-half lead. Despite being reduced to ten men after the break, they held firm to claim a crucial and morale-boosting victory. The result lifts Le Mans to 38 points, just four behind Troyes.
Reims seize second place as Red Star stall
On Friday night, Stade de Reims edged past Clermont 1–0, with Mohammed Daramy scoring late on. The win moves Reims onto 38 points and into second place, strengthening their bid for direct promotion.
By contrast, Red Star FC were held to a 1–1 draw at Rodez despite dominating large spells of the match. Another frustrating result sees the Parisian side slip slightly off the pace at the top.
Other notable results
Annecy beat Dunkerque 1–0 away, halting the hosts’ push towards the top five.
Montpellier came from behind to defeat Guingamp 3–1, inspired by a penalty brace from Alexandre Mendy.
Grenoble defeated Amiens 2–1, deepening Amiens’ relegation concerns.
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>> Ligue 2 BKT Standings
