On March 28, 2025, AS Nancy Lorraine triumphed over Le Mans FC with a decisive 2-0 victory in a much-anticipated clash at Stade Marcel-Picot. This match marked the 27th round of the National league and was a critical encounter between the league leaders and their closest challengers.
The atmosphere was electric as more than 15,000 fans filled the stadium, eager to witness this pivotal matchup. The fan turnout was bolstered by a promotional ticket price of just 4 euros, which encouraged a significant increase in attendance. This event not only set the stage for an exciting match but also broke the previous season's attendance record of 13,397, achieved during a game against Boulogne.
AS Nancy Lorraine, under the guidance of coach Pablo Correa, who celebrated his 600th match at the helm, took the lead early in the first half. In the 26th minute, forward Adrian Dabasse opened the scoring with a brilliant shot that found the back of the net after a precise assist from Zakaria Fdaouch. The goal ignited the home crowd, who were in high spirits as Nancy aimed to extend their lead in the league standings.
Just 14 minutes later, Walid Bouabdeli doubled the advantage for ASNL with a stunning curled effort that nestled into the top corner of the goal, leaving Le Mans goalkeeper Kocik with no chance. The home side's 2-0 lead at halftime showcased their dominance and strategic prowess, as they effectively neutralized Le Mans' attacking threats.
Despite their strong first-half performance, AS Nancy faced a significant challenge in the second half when midfielder Teddy Bouriaud received a second yellow card in the 68th minute, reducing the team to ten men. This moment could have shifted the momentum in favor of Le Mans, who had been on a remarkable run of six consecutive victories and had not lost in twelve matches.
However, the ASNL defense, led by captain Nicolas Saint-Ruf, held firm against the mounting pressure from Le Mans. The visitors struggled to find a breakthrough, with their best chances thwarted by the resolute Nancy backline and goalkeeper Martin Sourzac, who made several crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Le Mans pushed forward in search of a goal, but the home fans rallied behind their team, creating an intimidating atmosphere. The final minutes saw AS Nancy expertly manage the game, with players like Sidibe and Eyoum receiving yellow cards as they fought to preserve their lead.
In the dying moments of the match, Le Mans' frustration boiled over, culminating in a yellow card for Rossignol as the visitors desperately tried to claw back into the game. The referee, M. Leprodhomme, blew the final whistle, prompting a massive roar from the home crowd as AS Nancy celebrated a vital victory that solidified their position at the top of the National league.
This win not only halted Le Mans' impressive winning streak but also served as a significant confidence boost for AS Nancy, who had faced criticism for inconsistent performances earlier in the season. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and tactical discipline, especially after being reduced to ten men.
Next week, AS Nancy Lorraine will face Paris 13 Atletico, aiming to build on this momentum and further extend their lead in the league. The victory against Le Mans will undoubtedly serve as a motivational springboard as they continue their pursuit of promotion.
Fans left Stade Marcel-Picot buzzing with excitement, having witnessed a memorable match that showcased the best of their team. Pablo Correa's 600th match will be remembered not just for the milestone but for the significant impact it had on the team's season.
With this victory, AS Nancy Lorraine has reaffirmed their status as title contenders in the National league, and the supporters are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a successful chapter in their campaign.
