FC Lorient capped off a remarkable season in Ligue 2 by clinching the championship title with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Martigues on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This victory, witnessed by a raucous crowd of 16,074 at the Moustoir stadium, not only secured the title but also marked a triumphant return to Ligue 1 for the Merlus, who had already confirmed their promotion two weeks prior.
From the outset, the match was charged with anticipation. The home side, having led the league since the 16th match day, was determined to celebrate their success in front of their loyal supporters. However, the first half proved to be a challenge as Lorient struggled to convert their chances. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, they went into halftime with a narrow 1-0 lead.
The breakthrough came just before the halftime whistle when Eli Junior Kroupi, the team's star forward and the league's top scorer, found the net with a header, capitalizing on a rebound from a shot that hit the crossbar. Kroupi's goal, which came in the 45th minute, sent the home fans into a frenzy and set the tone for the second half.
However, Martigues responded quickly after the break. Just minutes into the second half, they equalized through a goal from Tlili in the 58th minute, momentarily dampening the spirits of the Lorient faithful. But the Merlus were not to be deterred. Coach Olivier Pantaloni made tactical adjustments, bringing on Sambu Soumano, who would prove to be a game-changer.
Soumano scored his first goal just four minutes after coming on, restoring Lorient's lead in the 62nd minute. Kroupi then added to the tally in the 66th minute, marking his second of the match and his 22nd goal of the season. The home crowd erupted in cheers as the team began to pull away from their opponents.
In the dying moments of the game, Jean Victor Makengo scored in the 87th minute, further extending Lorient's lead to 4-1. Soumano capped off the scoring with his second goal in the 90th minute, bringing the final score to 5-1. The players celebrated jubilantly with their fans, who had come out in droves to witness this historic moment.
This championship title is a significant achievement for FC Lorient, marking their third title in history and their second Ligue 2 championship. The previous titles include a National 1 title and another Ligue 2 championship, with the last one coming during a pandemic-affected season. This time, the celebration was full and vibrant, with fans and players alike enjoying the moment together.
"We are the champions! We are the champions!" echoed through the stadium as fans celebrated the club's success. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the club's glory days in Ligue 1, and the joy was palpable among the players and coaching staff.
Coach Olivier Pantaloni, who made seven changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous week’s match against Ajaccio, praised his team's resilience and determination throughout the season. "This title is a reward for the entire team, the staff, and our incredible supporters who stood by us all season long," Pantaloni said post-match.
Looking ahead, FC Lorient is set to return to Ligue 1, a division they left just a year ago. The club's management is keen on retaining Kroupi on loan for another season, hoping to build on this success and establish themselves firmly in the top tier of French football.
As the dust settles on this victorious season, the focus will shift to the future. With the next season on the horizon, FC Lorient aims to make a significant impact in Ligue 1 and continue their upward trajectory in French football. The fans can expect an exciting summer filled with anticipation as the club prepares for its return to the elite level.
