In a thrilling encounter at the Stade des Alpes, FC Grenoble edged out Oyonnax Rugby 26-23 on Friday, April 25, 2025, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Pro D2. This hard-fought victory, marked by intense competition and a showcase of determination from both sides, was crucial for Grenoble as they aim for a successful playoff run.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere, as fans from both sides filled the stands, eager to witness this derby clash. Grenoble set the tone early, with Thibault Martel scoring the first try just four minutes in, converted by Samuel Davies to give the home team a 7-0 lead. However, Oyonnax responded quickly; Peniami Narisia scored their first try in the 18th minute, leveling the score at 7-7.
As the match progressed, the tension heightened. A disallowed try for Grenoble's Brandon Nansen due to a forward pass in the 25th minute kept the score tied. Nevertheless, Gerswin Mouton capitalized on a defensive mistake by Oyonnax, intercepting a pass and sprinting in for a try, putting Grenoble back in the lead at 14-7.
Oyonnax, however, was not to be outdone. Their captain, Kévin Lebreton, leveled the score again with a try in the 33rd minute, showcasing the resilience of the visitors. As the first half drew to a close, Mouton added his second try, giving Grenoble a narrow 19-14 lead at halftime.
The second half began with a significant turning point: Oyonnax's Ewan Johnson received a red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving his team with just 14 players on the field. Despite this setback, Oyonnax maintained their composure, and Chris Smith's kicking prowess turned the tide as he successfully slotted three penalties between the 48th and 60th minutes, giving Oyonnax a surprising 23-19 lead.
With time running out and the pressure mounting, Grenoble needed a response. In the 71st minute, Giorgi Pertaïa broke through Oyonnax's defense to score a crucial try, putting Grenoble back in the lead at 26-23. The final minutes saw both teams battling fiercely, with Oyonnax desperately seeking another try to secure a draw. However, Grenoble's defense held strong, and they managed to close out the match, securing a vital victory.
Despite the loss, Oyonnax left the field with their heads held high, having demonstrated significant improvement in their performance compared to earlier in the season. They managed to secure a defensive bonus point, which could prove critical in their fight against relegation.
After the match, Grenoble's captain Antonin Berruyer expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We are relieved to have secured our place in the semi-finals, but we must work on our discipline and performance as we prepare for what lies ahead." Meanwhile, Oyonnax's Kevin Lebreton reflected on the match, saying, "We fought hard and showed our spirit. We may not have won, but we can take positives from this match as we push for survival in the league."
In other matches on the same night, Valence-Romans secured their Pro D2 survival with a resounding 69-21 victory over Nevers. The Damiers dominated from start to finish, scoring five tries in the first half alone, which set the tone for a comfortable win.
Mont-de-Marsan also made significant strides in their fight for survival, defeating Dax 34-20 in a closely contested derby. The Montois took control early, leading 24-7 at halftime, and while Dax fought back, they could not close the gap.
In a surprising twist, Nice, already relegated, managed to pull off an upset against Provence Rugby, winning 13-12 in a nail-biting finish. This victory, albeit too late to change their fate, showcased their fighting spirit and determination to end the season on a high note.
The results from Friday's matches have left the Pro D2 standings tight, with only a few games remaining in the regular season. Grenoble's victory solidified their position at the top, while Oyonnax's bonus point keeps their hopes alive. As the teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, the excitement and intensity of Pro D2 rugby continue to captivate fans across France.
