Ligue 2: Angers and Laval neutralize each other, significant success for the Girondins

Angers and Laval neutralized each other in a top-of-the-table derby (1-1) on Saturday for the 31st day of Ligue 2, while Saint-Etienne took second place in the standings behind Auxerre.

Between two teams in decline but fighting for the rise, it was Laval who was able to come out of the game first, thanks to a quick goal from Pablo Pagis (4th). As is often feverish at home, despite ample possession, the Angevins nevertheless managed to snatch a draw, thanks to a penalty from Himad Abdelli after a mistake by Laval goalkeeper Samassa in his area (87th).

If Laval remains fourth in Ligue 2, Angers, on goal difference, gives up its 2nd place in the standings, stolen by Saint-Etienne. The Greens in fact celebrated their 90th anniversary with a narrow 1-0 victory against Concarneau at Geoffroy-Guichard, confirming their excellent form since January (8 victories in 12 matches).

Saint-Etienne is four points behind leader Auxerre, who will play on Monday at the end of the 31st day an unbalanced home derby against Troyes, 16th and which has only one success in the last five days. Rodez, also a candidate for the play-offs or even the promotion, wasted a great opportunity at home against the penultimate in the championship Quevilly-Rouen. While they led 3-1 thanks to a double from their striker Killian Corredor, the Ruthenois, reduced to 10, conceded a draw 3 everywhere.

Still fifth in the standings, they see Paris FC, winner (2-1) of Grenoble, coming back on their heels, while Caen falls to 7th place after its defeat at home against the Girondins de Bordeaux (1-0). At the bottom of the table, the red lantern Valenciennes initially believed to have its first success in the championship since the 22nd day by leading 1-0, before two goals in two minutes (48th, 49th) sealed Annecy's victory , who provisionally takes 16th place in Troyes.