Angers had the last word against AS Saint-Étienne. Despite a draw against Dunkirk (0-0) at the Raymond-Kopa stadium, the SCO validated its return to the elite during the 38th and final day of Ligue 2. The Angevins took advantage of the poor performance of the Greens, beaten in Quevilly (1-2) despite a clear domination.
The scenario of this final Ligue 2 multiplex offered its share of surprises. With the reception of Dunkirk, the SCO of Angers had to win to 100% ensure the rise in Ligue 1. But for a long time lacking inspiration and undoubtedly tense by the stakes, Alexandre Dujeux’s players content with a draw without goals or sparks (0-0). A score of parity which will still have been enough for the happiness of the Raymond-Kopa stadium because, at the same time, AS Saint Etienne missed its meeting on the lawn of Quevilly-Rouen (1-2), already relegated in National 1.
The Greens had an obligation to win to believe in it, it failed despite constant domination. 28 shots, big missed opportunities (by Cardona, Cafaro and others) and defensive feverishness on the two goals conceded (Soumano 63rd, Coulibaly 81st), everything went in the wrong direction for the Stéphanois. Certainly, Sissoko gave hope from the penalty spot (89th) but it was too late. Ideally placed three days from the end, AS Saint-Étienne finished third and will play a play-off at Geoffroy-Guichard against the winner of Rodez-Paris FC, to give themselves the right to challenge the 16th in Ligue 1 in a round trip . Far from this frustration, Angers can celebrate its comeback with dignity, only one year after a sadly historic season in the elite of French football.
4th and 5th before the last day, Paris FC and Rodez resisted the return of Caen (6th), which will have fulfilled its mission – useless on arrival – against Valenciennes (3-0, double from Gomis and goal from Mendy ). Parisians and Ruthenians have simply reversed their positions, and that is important. Easy winner of Ajaccio (2-0) with two goals scored in the first ten minutes, Rodez took advantage of the draw conceded by Paris FC, long shaken, on the lawn of Bastia (1-1). The surprise of the season will therefore receive the Parisian team next Tuesday during the first meeting of the accession play-offs. For Nicolas Seube’s Caennais, on the other hand, the dream of Ligue 1 ends here.
In the other matches of the evening, AJ Auxerre, already champion, delighted its audience at Abbé-Deschamps by dominating Concarneau (4-1). The Japanese Ado Onaiwu notably scored a hat-trick, supported by the best player of the season Gauthier Hein (85th). This was followed by the traditional presentation of the Ligue 2 trophy, in a great evening atmosphere.
Another room, another atmosphere near Troyes. Even before the decision of the disciplinary committee concerning the match stopped against Valenciennes (for throwing smoke bombs), ESTAC condemned itself to relegation to National 1 by conceding a 1-1 draw against Annecy, which obtained its maintenance. The Trojans go down to the lower level along with Concarneau, Quevilly and Valenciennes.
Finally, on the sidelines of the heavy stakes of the evening, the Girondins of Bordeaux and Amiens put on a show against Pau (3-2) and Grenoble (3-1). Guingamp lost on its lawn to Laval (0-1).