Strasbourg Edge Metz In Hard-Fought Ligue 1 Derby

On a crisp Sunday morning at Stade de la Meinau, Strasbourg and Metz squared off in a Ligue 1 encounter that promised plenty of drama—and certainly delivered. The January 18, 2026 clash saw Strasbourg edge out their Lorraine rivals 2-1, extending their impressive unbeaten streak in this fixture and marking another chapter in a rivalry that’s been anything but predictable in recent years.

Heading into the match, all eyes were on Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Metz’s midfielder, whose odds to score were pegged at +1800 by BetMGM Sportsbook. While Gbamin’s stats for the 2026-27 campaign were modest—two shots all season, averaging just 0.1 per match, with an expected goals tally of 0.0 and a single actual goal—Metz fans hoped he might spring a surprise. Yet, as the action unfolded, it was Strasbourg’s organization and home advantage that ultimately tipped the scales.

The hosts, under the guidance of newly appointed manager Gary O’Neil, entered the contest hungry for their first Ligue 1 win of 2026. O’Neil, who arrived from stints with Bournemouth and Wolves, had already made an impression by guiding Strasbourg to a resounding 6-0 Coupe de France victory over Avranches. However, his side had struggled to convert that cup form into league points, failing to win their previous two home games and staring down the possibility of a third straight home league match without a win—something not seen since a four-match losing streak back in early 2024.

Metz, meanwhile, arrived in Strasbourg with plenty of baggage. The team had just come off a 3-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and their defensive frailties were well documented: 38 goals conceded in 17 games, ranking them 18th in Ligue 1 for goal differential at -20. Offensively, the numbers weren’t much better, with only 18 goals scored all season.

Injuries and suspensions complicated matters for both squads. Strasbourg were without Emanuel Emegha and Tidiane Diallo, while Ismael Doukoure and Maxi Oyedele were doubtful and Saidou Sow was sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear. Metz’s absentees included Pape Sy (head injury), Koffi Kouao (suspension), Joseph Mangondo (knee issue), and Africa Cup of Nations call-ups Habib Diallo and Cheikh Sabaly.

As the match kicked off, Strasbourg wasted little time asserting themselves. The opening goal came courtesy of Diego Moreira, whose left-footed strike from outside the box found the bottom left corner after a slick through ball from Julio Enciso. The home crowd erupted—could this be the breakthrough O’Neil’s men needed?

But Metz, desperate to claw their way out of the relegation zone, responded with grit. Jessy Deminguet drew a foul in the penalty area, and Gauthier Hein calmly converted the resulting spot kick, leveling the score at 1-1. The tension in the stadium was palpable. Would Strasbourg’s home woes continue?

Not if Martial Godo had anything to say about it. Just before the halftime whistle, Godo rose to meet a cross from Guéla Doué and powered a header into the bottom left corner. The goal restored Strasbourg’s lead and, as it turned out, would prove decisive.

The second half saw both sides push for the next goal. Gbamin, determined to justify those long scoring odds, unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box that was blocked and later forced a save from Strasbourg’s keeper Mike Penders with a left-footed effort. Metz shuffled their lineup with a flurry of substitutions, bringing on Morgan Bokele, Benjamin Stambouli, Joel Asoro, Giorgi Abuashvili, and Alpha Touré to chase the equalizer. Strasbourg responded in kind, introducing Kendry Páez, Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Félix Lemaréchal, and Abdoul Ouattara to shore up their advantage.

As the clock ticked down, Metz pressed hard. Gauthier Hein and Fodé Ballo-Touré both saw chances go begging, while Strasbourg’s defense, marshaled by Ben Chilwell and Lucas Høgsberg, held firm. The referee signaled three minutes of added time, but the visitors couldn’t find a way through. The final whistle confirmed Strasbourg’s 2-1 victory, much to the relief of the home supporters and their manager.

This win was more than just three points for Strasbourg. It snapped a worrying home drought, gave Gary O’Neil his first Ligue 1 triumph at the helm, and extended their unbeaten run against Metz to eight matches—seven of those victories. It also kept alive their hopes of closing the gap to the European qualification spots, with the team now sitting six points adrift.

For Metz, the defeat was another blow in a season marked by missed opportunities. The team has now failed to win any of their last four matches in which they scored first, dropping a total of ten points in the process. Their away form continues to concern, with three straight losses and seven goals conceded in that span. The absence of key players due to injury and international duty only compounded their woes.

Looking at the bigger picture, Strasbourg’s defensive solidity—conceding just 21 goals all season, fifth best in Ligue 1—stood in stark contrast to Metz’s leaky backline. The hosts’ positive goal difference of +5 (seventh in the league) and ability to grind out results in tight matches could prove crucial as the season progresses.

"It was a tough match, but the team showed real character," Gary O’Neil said after the final whistle. "We’ve been working hard to turn performances into points, and today the lads delivered." His opposite number, facing mounting pressure, could only rue another missed opportunity for Metz.

With the dust settled, Strasbourg’s faithful will savor this victory, hopeful that it marks the start of a more consistent run at home. Metz, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they are to climb out of the relegation scrap and secure their Ligue 1 status for another year.

As both teams look ahead, the lessons from this fiercely contested derby will linger. For Strasbourg, momentum is building. For Metz, the search for answers—and points—continues.