On April 7, 2025, USL Dunkerque faced off against En Avant Guingamp in a crucial Ligue 2 clash that had playoff implications for both teams. The match, held at the Stade Marcel Tribut, saw Dunkerque emerge victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, marking a significant turnaround for the team after a recent dip in form.
Both teams entered the match tied on points, each with 48, and were vying for a spot in the playoff positions. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric, with approximately 5,000 fans filling the stands to witness this pivotal encounter.
The first half was a tactical battle, with Guingamp dominating possession but failing to convert their chances into goals. They controlled the ball for much of the half, boasting 64% possession, yet the score remained 0-0 at halftime. The best chance for Guingamp came in the 12th minute when Théo Le Bris's shot was brilliantly saved by Dunkerque's goalkeeper, Ewen Jaouen, who was making his first start in Ligue 2 since October 2024.
Dunkerque, under the guidance of coach Luis Castro, made a few surprising lineup changes due to injuries, with Jaouen stepping in for Adrian Ortola and Nehemiah Fernandez starting in defense. Despite these changes, Dunkerque’s resilience shone through in the second half.
As the game resumed, Dunkerque appeared more aggressive and determined. Their efforts paid off in the 69th minute when Gessime Yassine scored the opening goal, putting Dunkerque ahead 1-0. The goal was the result of a well-executed counterattack, with Felipe Abner providing the assist. The momentum shifted dramatically at this point.
In the 75th minute, Guingamp's Donatien Gomis received a red card for a foul on Gaëtan Courtet, leaving his team with ten men. This expulsion opened up the game further for Dunkerque. Just seven minutes later, Abdoullah Ba doubled the lead with a powerful shot from outside the box, making it 2-0.
Guingamp, desperate to get back into the match, was awarded a penalty in the 87th minute after a handball by Dunkerque's Georgen. However, Sabri Guendouz's attempt was saved by Jaouen, who had been a standout performer throughout the match, proving his worth once again.
As the match entered stoppage time, Guingamp managed to pull one back in a rather unfortunate manner. Yacine Bammou scored an own goal in the 90+6 minute, redirecting a corner into his own net, reducing Dunkerque's lead to 2-1.
But Dunkerque wasn’t done yet. In the very next minute, Marco Essimi sealed the victory with a well-placed shot, capitalizing on Guingamp’s defensive lapse, making it 3-1. This last-minute goal not only confirmed Dunkerque’s win but also highlighted the team's ability to capitalize on their chances.
The match concluded with Dunkerque solidifying their position in the playoff spots, now sitting fourth in the league, three points ahead of Guingamp. This victory was particularly sweet for Dunkerque, who had previously suffered a loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France semi-finals just days earlier.
Coach Luis Castro expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly in the second half. "We showed great character and determination to come back strong after our last match. The players executed the game plan perfectly," he said post-match.
On the other hand, Guingamp's coach, Sylvain Ripoll, acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about the future. "We had our chances, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. This defeat doesn’t define our season, and we’ll regroup for the next match against Lorient," he stated.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Ligue 2, where a single moment can change the course of a game. Dunkerque's victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets them on a positive trajectory as they aim for promotion to Ligue 1.
With five matches left in the season, both teams will be looking to secure their spots in the playoffs, making every point crucial. Dunkerque's next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and fend off the competition as the season draws to a close.
As for Guingamp, they will need to quickly shake off this defeat and refocus their efforts to ensure they remain in contention for a playoff spot. The battle for promotion is heating up, and every game counts.
