Ligue 1: Nantes knocks out Strasbourg at Meinau

RC Strasbourg conceded a worrying defeat at the opening of the 8th day of the French championship against Nantes (2-1). Disappointing in the game, the Alsatians conceded two goals from Coco and Moutoussamy after returning from the locker room before Dion's reduction too late in stoppage time.

Despite a packed Meinau stadium for the 31st consecutive time, Racing showed a very pale face against the more spirited Nantais. The Canaries put pressure on the opposing goal from the start while the Strasbourg players seemed lost on the pitch, without ideas, arms dangling, even repeatedly asking Patrick Vieira for tactical adjustments on the sidelines. Launched by Abline taking advantage of an error by Guilbert, Mollet missed his face-to-face in front of Sels (8th), then impeccable on the magnificent return attempt by Castelletto (15th). Largely dominant, Pierre Aristouy's players multiplied the crosses and corners, without finding the fault. Simon did not get his header on target from six meters (24th) and Nantes got into a false rhythm, the same as its evening rival who timidly put his nose to the window. Mothiba (39th) then Mwanga (44th) lit timid fuses which did not prevent the Strasbourg supporters from whistling their players at the break.

Upon returning from the locker room, Racing did not get its head out of the water and ended up sinking. Coco opened the scoring thanks to the superb work of Simon (51st), the most dangerous man among the 22 players. Very well organized and inspired offensively, the Yellow and Green quickly stunned their opponents, seven minutes later, Moutoussamy deceiving Sels after a four-cushion billiard shot (59th). The only Racing player at the level, the Belgian goalkeeper will have been abandoned by his defense, very close to conceding Moutoussamy's double on a pass from Abline (69th). Installed in a general torpor, Strasbourg never moved up a gear while Vieira suffered the blow on his bench. Until the final minutes of play which saw Dion's score reduced to a surface fox (92nd). Very poor in the game, Strasbourg finally lost 1-2, without ever believing in an improbable comeback. Frustrated by this second consecutive setback at home, after Lens (0-1) last Friday, the Meinau public did not fail to express their discontent, contrasting with the joy of the Nantes residents, authors of a full match.

Thanks to this victory, the Canaries climb to 8th place (11 pts) just ahead of their Alsatian victim (9th, 10 pts).