On May 10, 2025, the final day of Ligue 2 saw a dramatic conclusion to the season, with FC Lorient securing the championship title in a resounding 5-1 victory over Martigues at the Stade du Moustoir. This match not only crowned Lorient as champions but also confirmed the relegation of Martigues to the National division, marking a disappointing end to their season.
The match began with Lorient, already assured of promotion after a previous victory against Caen, looking to finish the season on a high note. They opened the scoring just before halftime when Elie Kroupi found the net in the first minute of added time, giving the home team a 1-0 lead going into the break. Kroupi, who would later score again, showcased his prowess as the league's top scorer, finishing the season with an impressive total of 22 goals.
Martigues, who were fighting to avoid relegation, managed to equalize shortly after the hour mark. Karim Tlili struck in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 and briefly igniting hopes for the visiting side. However, just five minutes later, disaster struck for Martigues. Sambou Soumano scored in the 63rd minute, followed swiftly by another goal from Kroupi in the 65th minute, effectively shattering Martigues' hopes of salvaging their season.
As the match progressed, Lorient continued to dominate. Jean-Victor Makengo added a fourth goal in the 78th minute, showcasing a brilliant individual effort where he dribbled past three defenders before firing a powerful shot past the Martigues goalkeeper. Soumano capped off the scoring with his second goal in the dying moments of the match, securing a 5-1 victory for Lorient.
The defeat left Martigues officially relegated, joining Caen in the National division after a season that saw them struggle to find form. They finished the season with only 32 points, battling hard but ultimately falling short in crucial moments, particularly in this final match.
Meanwhile, the victory for Lorient not only confirmed their status as champions of Ligue 2 but also positioned them as a formidable contender for the upcoming Ligue 1 season. Their performance throughout the season, culminating in this decisive win, has set a high standard for their return to the top flight of French football.
In other matches on the final day, Paris FC secured their place in Ligue 1 by defeating Ajaccio 2-0, finishing the season in second place. Guingamp and Dunkerque also made headlines, with Guingamp winning 3-1 against Pau, ensuring their participation in the upcoming playoffs for promotion.
As the dust settles on the Ligue 2 season, the focus now shifts to the playoffs, where Clermont will face either Le Mans or Boulogne in a bid to remain in the second tier. The playoffs will see Guingamp and Dunkerque clash in a semi-final, with the winner advancing to face FC Metz for a shot at promotion to Ligue 1.
The final standings of Ligue 2 reflect a season filled with intense competition, with Lorient emerging as the clear champions. The relegation of Martigues serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of professional football, where the difference between survival and relegation can often come down to a few critical moments in matches.
As the league prepares for its next chapter, fans of Lorient will be eagerly anticipating their return to Ligue 1, while supporters of Martigues will hope for a swift return to Ligue 2 in the upcoming seasons.
