On Friday, April 18, 2025, Clermont Foot faced off against ESTAC Troyes in a crucial Ligue 2 clash at the Stade Gabriel-Montpied. With the match kicking off at 20:00, Clermont was in desperate need of a victory, having not won in their last twelve outings. The stakes were high for the home side, who were sitting precariously in the relegation zone, just six points above the last-place team.
Clermont Foot, currently positioned 16th in the league with 28 points, had recently experienced a glimmer of hope with a 2-2 draw against Pau in their previous match. However, they knew that a win against Troyes was essential to avoid slipping further into the relegation battle. The team was under the guidance of new head coach Sébastien Mazeyrat, who had taken over the reins after a challenging season.
Under Mazeyrat’s leadership, the team had made significant changes, integrating younger players into the lineup. Notably, 19-year-old Ibrahim Coulibaly and 22-year-old Yuliwes Bellache were given their first professional minutes, showcasing the coach's commitment to building for the future while trying to secure immediate results.
"The victory is mandatory, as it would give us some breathing room and allow us to catch up with the teams above us. We are not safe; everyone has a tough schedule ahead. It’s hard to predict what will happen," Mazeyrat stated in a pre-match press conference, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
As the match unfolded, Clermont Foot aimed to establish early dominance against a Troyes side that was sitting comfortably in 14th place. The home crowd was hopeful, but the tension was palpable as the team sought to break their winless streak.
In the first half, Clermont Foot controlled much of the possession but struggled to convert their chances into goals. Despite some promising plays, the scoreboard remained locked at 0-0 for most of the opening period. The home team’s efforts were met with frustration as they failed to capitalize on their opportunities, with several shots going wide or being saved by the Troyes goalkeeper.
However, the tide turned just before the halftime whistle when Troyes took the lead. In the 40th minute, a well-placed cross from Irié found Diop, whose precise shot found the back of the net, putting Troyes ahead 1-0. The goal sent a wave of disappointment through the Clermont fans, who had hoped to see their team take the initiative.
As the second half commenced, Clermont Foot knew they had to respond quickly. The urgency was evident as they pushed forward, looking to equalize. But Troyes proved to be a tough opponent, effectively stifling Clermont’s attacking efforts. The home team’s frustration grew as they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
By the 60th minute, Troyes doubled their lead, capitalizing on a defensive error from Clermont. Guivarch, the Clermont goalkeeper, misjudged a shot from Nicolas De Préville, allowing the ball to slip through his fingers and into the net. The score now stood at 2-0, and Clermont’s hopes of a comeback began to fade.
As the match progressed, the situation became increasingly dire for Clermont Foot. The players fought hard, but the lack of confidence in front of goal was evident. Mazeyrat’s men continued to push for a breakthrough, but the Troyes defense held firm, thwarting every attempt. The home crowd, initially hopeful, began to express their frustration as the clock ticked down.
In the final minutes, Clermont made some tactical changes, bringing on experienced players Johan Gastien and Damien Da Silva, who had recently returned from injury. Their presence on the pitch aimed to inject fresh energy into the struggling side, but time was running out.
The match ended with a score of 2-0 in favor of Troyes, leaving Clermont Foot in a precarious position at the bottom of the league table. With only a few matches left in the season, the pressure mounted on the team to find a way to secure their place in Ligue 2.
After the match, Mazeyrat reflected on the performance, stating, "We need to regroup and focus on the next match. The players are working hard, but we must convert our chances into goals. It’s a tough situation, but we can’t lose hope. We have to believe in ourselves and fight until the end." His words resonated with the fans, who still held hope for a turnaround in the coming weeks.
With only four games remaining in the season, every match is now a final for Clermont Foot. The upcoming fixtures will be critical as they look to avoid relegation and secure their place in Ligue 2 for another season. The road ahead is challenging, but the determination and resilience of the team will be put to the test.
