Brest Ends Nantes' Unbeaten Streak with a Late Knockout
Brest secured a crucial away victory over Nantes in the opening fixture of Ligue 1's 21st round, bringing an end to the hosts' impressive five-game unbeaten run.
Early Strike Sets the Tone
The highly anticipated Breton derby sparked into life just nine minutes in, as Ludovic Ajorque capitalized on a pinpoint delivery from Pierre Lees-Melou to fire Brest into an early lead.
Nantes Pushes, But Luck Runs Out
Despite falling behind, Nantes took time to find their rhythm and only truly came alive in the second half. Piling pressure on Brest’s defense, they came agonizingly close to an equalizer in the 79th minute when a well-struck effort rattled the post.
Sealed in Stoppage Time
Just when it seemed like Brest would endure a tense finish, they struck a decisive blow on the counter-attack deep into added time. Pierre Lees-Melou capped off his excellent performance by sliding the ball past Alban Lafont in the 96th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory.
The result halts Nantes’ five-match unbeaten streak and strengthens Brest’s position in the Ligue 1 standings.
2024-25, France - Ligue 1
Nantes - Brest 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Ajorque, 9 (0:1); Lees-Melou, 90+6 (0:2)
Nantes: Anthony L.; Cozza; Castelletto; Chirivella; Lepenant (Mollet, 83); Douglas Augusto (Assoumani, 82); Sow S-u; Coco M. (Amian, 69); Simon M. (Elia, 68); Mostafa Mohamed (Guirassy B., 69); Abline
Bench: Carlgren; Leroux; Thomas S.
Yellow Cards: Douglas Augusto 66; Chirivella 86; Amian 92
Brest: Bizot; Ndiaye Ab.; Chardonnet B.; Lala K.; Haidara M.; Magnetti (Doumbia K., 80); Lees-Melou; Faivre R. (Baldé M-a, 70); Camara M.; Sima A. (Pereira Lage, 70); Ajorque
Bench: Coudert; Bourgault; Le Cardinal; Coulibaly So.; Edimilson Fernandes; Salah I.
Yellow Cards: Magnetti 36; Bizot 89
