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ASSE march on, Nantes' struggles continue: Ligue 2 Round-up

The Ligue 2 BKT action continued this weekend. Saint-Étienne continued their strong start to the campaign, whilst Nantes' struggles continued.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 08/24/2026 at 07:45
3-minute read
Cardona in action for Saint-Étienne

The Ligue 2 BKT action continued this weekend. Saint-Étienne continued their strong start to the campaign, whilst Nantes' struggles continued.

Saint-Étienne 4-0 Grenoble

Les Verts were one of the favourites for promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's last season, and whilst they narrowly missed out last season, they look determined not to fall short under Ian Cathro this season.

The Scot's side have been imperious so far. In their first three matches, they have a 100% record, and have scored 10 and conceded just once in the process. It was another game in which Saint-Étienne evidenced the strength of their attacking arsenal, putting four goals past a sorry Dunkerque at the Chaudron. 

Aron Csongvai opened the scoring with a header, which was then doubled moments later by the head of another ASSE player, that of Thierno Ballo. Csongvai almost doubled his account on the stroke of half-time, but his free-kick, saved, came out perfectly to Irvin Cardona to tap in and continue his impeccable start to the campaign. Zuriko Davistashvili then rounded out the scoring with a smart finish in the second half.

Saint-Étienne, after three matchdays, sit top of Ligue 2 BKT. Annecy, who face Stade de Reims on Monday night, are the only team that can join them on nine points; their goal difference, however, is significantly worse, although they are the only team not to concede in the league this season.

Dunkerque 0-1 Montpellier

Montpellier's attempts at returning to Ligue 1 McDonald's at the first time of asking last season can be described as relatively meek. However, having almost sold the club in the summer before reaffirming their commitment, the Nicollin family and MHSC look reinvigorated this season. 

Zoumana Camara's side are unbeaten after three games and have conceded just one goal. This was another solid performance that evidenced plenty of promise. It was Nicolas Pays that got the only goal of the game, just after half-time, to dispatch USL Dunkerque. 

 Metz 1-1 Laval

Metz are another former Ligue 1 McDonald's giant who have had an unbeaten start to the Ligue 2 BKT season. After beating Guingamp on the opening day of the season, Les Grenats drew against Grenoble last week and drew again against Laval this weekend.

Metz had to battle from behind on this occasion after Laval had opened the scoring from the spot through Julien Maggiotti. Pape Moussa Fall levelled up the scores with a header from a sumptuous Téji Savanier cross. Idris Mohamed was sent off for Metz moments later, but Luc Holtz's side held on for the point.

Nantes 2-5 Rodez

Nantes' difficult start to the season continued against Rodez. Going into Matchday three, Michel Der Zakarian's side were already rock bottom following two consecutive losses. There is already a feeling of impending crisis at the club and that wasn't aided by the events at the Beaujoire on Saturday. 

Killian Corredor opened the scoring in this seven-goal thriller before Ibrahima Baldé equalised with the first of his three goals on the day. The lead was then restored by Corredor, but it all came crashing down for Les Canaris in the second half. Ryan Ponti equalised for Rodez.

It was then one-way traffic as Rodez ran riot. Baldé got his second before completing his hat-trick just two minutes later. There was time for a fifth, with Saidou Sow turning into his own net in injury time. Nantes remain rock bottom and in trouble.

Other Results:

  • Pau 0-1 AS Nancy Lorraine

  • Sochaux 1-0 Guingamp 

  • Clermont Foot 1-1 Dijon

  • Boulogne 1-1 Red Star

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