L'ASSE solidifies Ligue 2 lead as Nantes stumble at Laval

L'ASSE confirmed its Ligue 2 leadership with a convincing 3-1 victory over Clermont, while FC Nantes added a second straight defeat after a 2-1 loss on the turf of Laval, a result that deepens doubts around the Canaris' start to the season.

L'ASSE secures Ligue 2 lead

Ian Cathro’s men imposed themselves early, with Irvin Cardona breaking the deadlock just before halftime with a curled effort in the 41st minute. Ballo doubled the advantage shortly after the break in the 54th minute, and Breum sealed the win with a collective finish in the 71st minute.

Clermont managed only a late consolation when Diop scored in the 89th minute, but the match was marred by a serious head injury to Ferreira, who was stretchered off in the first period.

L'ASSE continues its unbeaten run and openly states ambitions to return to Ligue 1, reinforcing the club’s confidence after the flawless performance.

FC Nantes' setback at Laval

FC Nantes endured a cruel scenario at Laval, beginning with a violent clash that saw Francis Coquelin and Wilitty Younoussa both taken off on stretchers, Coquelin later transferred to hospital care.

Laval opened the scoring through Trévis Dago in the 18th minute, while Herba Guirassy equalised for Nantes just before the break in the 45+4 minute.

The decisive moment arrived in added time when a costly error by Tylel Tati was exploited by Mathys Houdayer, who scored the winning goal in the 90+5 minute.

The defeat marks the second loss in as many matchdays for the Canaris and fuels mounting pressure on Michel Der Zakarian, whose position is already under scrutiny.

Other Ligue 2 results from the second round included Annecy 2–0 Rodez, Dijon 0–1 Pau FC, Grenoble 0–0 Metz, Guingamp 1–0 Boulogne, and Saint‑Étienne 3–1 Clermont, highlighting a mixed set of fortunes across the division.