Ligue 2 BKT: Red Star’s comeback headlines dramatic Matchday 30 as title race tightens

Red Star FC overturned a chaotic encounter to beat SC Bastia 4-3, recovering from a two-goal deficit in a performance that could prove pivotal in the final weeks of the campaign. The visitors struck first through Juan Guevara inside seven minutes, setting the tone for a breathless opening period. Damien Durand quickly restored parity for the hosts, but the match swung heavily in Bastia’s favour before the break as Félix Tomi found the net before Pierre Lemonnier turned the ball into his own goal, leaving Red Star trailing 3-1 at half-time.

What followed after the interval was a display of resilience and attacking conviction that has become increasingly characteristic of this Red Star side. Durand took centre stage, scoring twice in ten minutes to complete his hat-trick and bring the hosts level at 3-3, punishing a Bastia side that struggled to cope with the intensity of Red Star’s pressing and direct play. With Bauer roaring them forward, the hosts continued to push, and their persistence was rewarded late on when Hacène Benali fired home in the 86th minute to complete the turnaround. The victory moves Red Star onto 51 points in 4th place, now just three behind Le Mans and very much in contention for a top-three finish, while also strengthening their grip on a play-off spot.

Sainté close in on Troyes

Earlier in the weekend, AS Saint-Étienne had ensured that any slip from the leaders would be punished, edging past USL Dunkerque 2-1 at Geoffroy-Guichard. The hosts’ aggressive pressing game paid off early, with Lucas Stassin capitalising on a high turnover to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. However, their lead was short-lived, as Augustine Boakye conceded a penalty just two minutes later, allowing Thomas Robinet to equalise from the spot. Saint-Étienne maintained control of proceedings, though, and their persistence in forcing errors high up the pitch proved decisive once again, as Zuriko Davitashvili cut inside and curled a precise effort into the corner in the 66th minute. The win moved the Verts to 57 points and kept them firmly within touching distance of top spot heading into the final stretch.

That pressure told on Monday night, as leaders ESTAC Troyes were surprisingly beaten 2-1 away at Rodez AF, a result that dramatically reshapes the title race. Troyes made a dream start when Martin Adeline scored against his former club inside three minutes, reacting quickest after Quentin Braat could only partially parry an initial effort. Yet rather than assert control, the league leaders retreated into a more passive shape, inviting Rodez onto them. The hosts responded with increasing intensity, creating a succession of chances but repeatedly denied by an inspired Hillel Konaté in the Troyes goal.

Rodez’s persistence eventually paid off just after the hour mark, when Mathis Saka pounced on a poorly cleared set-piece to level the score. Sensing vulnerability, the home side continued to press, and their decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute as Tairyk Arconte finished off a rapid counter-attack to complete the turnaround. Troyes, increasingly nervy, were unable to respond, and the final whistle confirmed a defeat that could have major ramifications at the top of the table. They remain leaders on 58 points, but their cushion has been cut to a single point over Saint-Étienne, with momentum now seemingly shifting.

Meanwhile, Le Mans’ goalless draw against Boulogne-sur-Mer prevented them from consolidating third place, opening the door for Red Star to close the gap, while Reims’ 2-2 draw at Laval leaves them level on points with Rodez but behind on goal difference.

With just four matches remaining, the Ligue 2 promotion race has tightened dramatically. A highly anticipated showdown between Troyes and Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard now looms as a potential title decider, while Red Star’s surge adds further intrigue to an already unpredictable battle for promotion. On current form, few sides will relish facing a Red Star team playing with this level of belief and attacking freedom.