Ligue 2 BKT: ASSE return to the Podium as Le Mans and Reims stumble

AS Saint-Étienne climb back into the top three

Saint-Étienne moved up to third place after a 2-1 victory away to Guingamp at the Stade du Roudourou.

The Verts made a blistering start, with Zuriko Davitashvili scoring twice inside the opening 15 minutes (10’, 14’) to put the visitors firmly in control. Guingamp responded through Donatien Gomis shortly after the hour mark, but Laurent Batlles’ side showed composure and defensive resilience to see out the win.

The result takes ASSE onto 40 points and back onto the podium in what remains an exceptionally tight promotion battle.

Montpellier HSC end Le Mans’ unbeaten streak

Montpellier halted Le Mans’ long unbeaten run with an emphatic 4-2 victory at the Stade de la Mosson.

The promoted side had not lost in the league since mid-September and made a bright start, opening the scoring early on. However, Christopher Jullien brought Montpellier level in first-half stoppage time (45+1’), shifting the momentum before the interval.

After the break, the hosts stepped up a gear. Goals from Pays (50’), Issoufou (60’) and Chennahi (84’) secured the points, despite a late consolation from Mendy (87’).

Montpellier climb to seventh on 34 points, while Le Mans remain fourth on 39 points after their first league defeat in five months.

Stade de Reims frustrated in Grenoble

Reims missed the opportunity to strengthen their grip on second place after a goalless draw away at Grenoble.

In a tight, tactical encounter at the Stade des Alpes, chances were at a premium. Reims controlled spells of possession but struggled to break down a well-organised home defence.

The draw keeps Reims on 40 points, one behind leaders Troyes, who were later held to a 0-0 stalemate by Bastia on Monday evening.

Red Star FC and USL Dunkerque apply pressure

Friday night’s fixtures had already tightened the table.

Red Star edged Nancy 2-1 at Stade Bauer thanks to a late winner from Saïf-Eddine Khaoui (84’). After a run of three matches without victory, the Parisians provisionally moved into second place on 40 points before Saturday’s results reshuffled the standings once more.

Dunkerque also made a statement with a commanding 4-1 win away at Amiens. Anto Sekongo struck twice, while Thomas Robinet netted his 10th goal of the campaign and Kanté added another to cap an impressive display. The Maritimes move up to fifth on 37 points, firmly in the mix for promotion.

Troyes held at Bastia

League leaders Troyes were unable to respond decisively, drawing 0-0 away at Bastia in a tense and tactical contest at the Stade Armand-Cesari.

The hosts set up to frustrate, while Troyes sought control without finding a breakthrough. The stalemate leaves the summit increasingly congested, with just a handful of points separating the top six sides.

>> Ligue 2 BKT: Le Mans surge, Reims on the podium as Troyes stumble