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| Metz's French-Ivorian defender #08 Ismael Traore (L) fights for the ball with Brest's French midfielder #45 Mahdi Camara during the French L1 football match between Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) and FC Metz at Stade Francis-Le Ble in Brest, western France, on April 7, 2024. |
Brest moved a step closer to qualifying for European football with a win over Metz, whilst Montpellier put Lorient into further relegation trouble. Our recap of Sunday's early match and multiplex action.
Brest 4-3 Metz: Les Pirates edge closer to the Champions League despite Metz fightback
Stade Brestois came from one-goal down to win over FC Metz at home, as Les Pirates go 9 points clear of OGC Nice to edge ever-closer to Champions League qualification. Metz took a surprise lead against the second-placed side in Ligue 1, as a superbly hit corner found its way to the feet of Ismaël Traoré who scored with a first-time strike (6'). The visitors' lead only lasted 6 minutes, with Brest defender Chardonnet finding the back of the net with a swivelled shot following a corner (12').
As Les Pirates found their groove, they would go ahead for the first time in the match, as Kamory Doumbia pounced in the box to turn in Del Castillo's flicked assist (30'). It would get better for the home side just before half-time, as Satriano was set up on the right-hand side of the box and had time to latch onto the ball and cross into Steve Mounié who decisively headed home to give Brest a two-goal advantage (38').
In the second half Satriano added a fourth via an unmarked header from a corner (60') in what looked like a runaway win for the home side. Yet, two efforts from Georges Mikautadze (74' and 80') would put the result in doubt – but Les Ti'Zefs held on for three vital points in their bid to secure Champions League football.
Stade de Reims 0-0 OGC Nice: European contenders play out goalless draw
Reims and Nice play-out a goalless draw at Stade Auguste Delaune. For Les Aiglons Terem Moffi had a golden chance after being put through on goal early on, but his strike was dragged wide of the post. Jeremie Boga equally had a chance to open the scoring just before half-time, but his close range effort was blasted over the bar.
Reims would take the initiative in the second half with an open attacking display but Nice would create the better chances, as Khephren Thuram's late header couldn't find a way past Diouf. It ended 0-0 with both sides sharing the spoils, and Nice finding themselves 9 points off second-placed Brest.
Montpellier 2-0 Lorient : Savanier & Karamoh help Montpellier edge to safety
Montpellier edged closer to assure their safety in Ligue 1 Uber Eats with a convincing win over Lorient thanks to goals from Téji Savanier and Yann Karamoah. An early penalty shout for the away side was taken to VAR, but the referee judged Jordan Ferri's contact on Ayman Kari not sufficient enough to award the penalty.
After a generally uneventful first half, a penalty would then be awarded the way of the hosts after Arnaud Nordin was sandwiched by two defenders on his way into the box. Captain Teji Savanier converted from the spot-kick to open the scoring in Montpellier's favour (56').
Téji Savanier has scored his last 15 penalties in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. Only Fabinho (17) and Ryad Boudebouz (16) have had a better run in the 21st century. Whabi Khazri came close to doubling the home side's lead as his long-range curled strike rattled the post, before Ayman Kari also hit the woodwork for Les Merlus. The hosts managed to finally double their lead heading into injury time on the counter attack as Nordin served Karamoh who finished low past Mvogo to secure the three points (90+1).
Toulouse 0-0 Strasbourg: goalless draw suits Les Violets and Les Alsatiens
Toulouse and Strasbourg settle for an important point in a goalless draw at the Toulouse Stadium, with both sides a point closer to safety. The home side had several chances to score through striker Thijs Dallinga with Les Alsatiens threatening through Bakwa and Yann Ghobo. The point leaves Toulouse and Strasbourg in 11th and 12th respectively, with six matches to play.
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