Ligue 2 BKT: Troyes return to the summit after win in Amiens
Troyes moved two points clear at the top of Ligue 2 BKT with a controlled 2-0 win away to Amiens SC on Monday night. Under pressure after Saint-Étienne’s weekend victory, Stéphane Dumont’s side delivered when it mattered most. After a tense first half in which Amiens unsettled the league leaders, Troyes struck decisively early in the second period.
Kandel Diawara broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a superb curling effort, shifting the momentum instantly. Just eight minutes later, Tawfik Bentayeb — already the provider for the opener — doubled the advantage. The Moroccan forward’s 13th league goal of the campaign effectively sealed the contest. With 48 points, Troyes reclaim first place and restore a two-point cushion over AS Saint-Étienne.
Sainté keep up the pressure
AS Saint-Étienne delivered a statement 3-0 victory away to Pau FC to stay firmly in the hunt behind leaders ESTAC Troyes. Lucas Stassin needed just four minutes to put Les Verts ahead at the Nouste Camp, setting the tone for a dominant display. The Belgian striker doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark before Englishman Josh Duffus added a third in stoppage time to seal a comprehensive win.
The result strengthens Saint-Étienne’s excellent run of form and keeps them within touching distance of Troyes at the summit. With momentum building at a crucial stage of the campaign, Philippe Montanier’s side look increasingly well-equipped for the run-in.
Red Star, Reims, & Le Mans falter
Elsewhere, promotion rivals Red Star FC and Le Mans FC played out a 0-0 draw at Stade Bauer — a result that ultimately suited neither side. Locked together on 41 points and sitting just outside the podium places, both clubs missed the opportunity to make up ground. Le Mans remain winless in February, while Red Star have claimed just one victory in their last six Ligue 2 outings.
On Friday night, Reims were held to a fourth consecutive 0-0 draw away at Montpellier HSC. Despite boasting the division’s meanest defence — six straight clean sheets — their lack of cutting edge in front of goal is beginning to hinder their promotion push.
Behind them, results elsewhere kept the chasing pack tightly bunched. At the bottom end of the table, SC Bastia slipped to last place after a 2-0 home defeat to FC Annecy, while Stade Lavallois moved off the foot of the standings thanks to a 1-1 draw with AS Nancy Lorraine. For Amiens, the defeat to Troyes leaves them 16th on 23 points — occupying the relegation play-off spot and still looking nervously over their shoulder.
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>> Ligue 2 BKT: Troyes win thriller, ASSE continue surge, Le Mans miss podium chance
