Paris (AFP)
Lorient took control of the Ligue 2 on Friday by winning 2-1 at the last Le Mans, taking advantage of Clermont's draw against Auxerre (1-1), on the fifth day.
In the game of extremes, the hierarchy was respected between the Lorient, great favorites for the rise and now leaders with 13 points, and the promoted Le Mans, good last with zero points.
It was in the first half that the Merlus tied everything up, with a double of Yoane Wissa (16th, 38th), his third and fourth goals. The Manceaux have reduced the mark by Alois Confais, but far too late (90th). Only downside for the men of Christophe Pélissier, the injury of Jimmy Cabot (41), author of a good start to the season.
Co-leader before the meeting, Clermont has long believed to follow Lorient pace after opening the scoring against Auxerre penalty by Adrian Grbic (21st), the fifth achievement for the Austrian nugget 22 years. But Yanis Merdji, another fit man, answered him (75th).
Taking advantage of the misstep Auvergnats, second in the difference in goals, Le Havre returned to their height with 11 points after the 3-1 win over Grenoble at home. The Normans can again thank their insatiable Zimbabwean Tino Kadewere, author of a double and top scorer in the championship with already eight goals.
AC Ajaccio (10 pts) took fourth place in the league table at the top of the standings with a 1-0 win against Paris FC, penultimate.
The most prolific match took place at the Stade de Toulouse, which hosts Rodez's promotion for his first six games of the season at home and saw the Ruthenians catch a 3-3 draw against Orleans in stoppage time. Sochaux has Nancy 3-0 while Niort and Caen left back to back 1-1, confirming the difficult entry for the Caen just relegated L1.
Only goal-scoring match: fifth Chambly, L2's best defense with zero goals conceded, and Châteauroux, worst attack with no goals scored.
The day continues Saturday with Troyes-Lens and ends Monday with Guingamp-Valenciennes.
© 2019 AFP