On Friday, April 4, 2025, Paris 13 Atletico and AS Nancy Lorraine faced off at the Stade Pelé in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw. The match was a crucial one for both teams, with Paris 13 fighting to avoid relegation while Nancy was aiming for promotion to Ligue 2.
The Stade Pelé, known for its modest capacity of 300 spectators, provided an intimate setting for the match. Despite the small crowd, the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to support their teams. Paris 13 Atletico entered the match sitting 15th in the league with 27 points, desperately needing a win to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, AS Nancy Lorraine was at the top of the table with 48 points, determined to maintain their lead and secure a place in the next division.
The first half saw Paris 13 take an early lead with a stunning goal from Diomande in the 16th minute, who curled a shot into the top corner after a well-placed pass. This goal set the tone for an intense battle, and it was clear that both teams were eager to make their mark.
However, AS Nancy Lorraine responded well. In the 37th minute, Bokangu leveled the score with a powerful header, capitalizing on a defensive error from Paris. Just after the halftime break, Bokangu struck again in the 49th minute, putting Nancy ahead 2-1 and showcasing his talent as he continued to haunt his former club.
Despite the setback, Paris 13 Atletico refused to back down. They pressed hard for an equalizer, and their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Petrilli scored from a corner kick, bringing the match to a dramatic 2-2 draw. The goal was a result of sustained pressure and a testament to Paris 13's fighting spirit.
Throughout the match, both teams displayed moments of brilliance and vulnerability. The first half was characterized by a balanced play, but as the second half progressed, AS Nancy started to feel the pressure from their opponents. The last thirty minutes saw Paris 13 dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities, which kept the Nancéiens on their toes.
In terms of discipline, the match saw several yellow cards being issued. Valentim received a yellow card in the 10th minute, followed by Oyongo in the 60th minute, and Thiaré in the 31st minute for AS Nancy. Saint-Ruf also received a yellow card late in the game, further highlighting the intensity of the contest.
Post-match, AS Nancy coach Pablo Correa expressed mixed feelings about the result. "We did well to come back and take the lead, but we need to learn to manage games better, especially when we are ahead. This point is important, but we must focus on our next matches to secure our promotion," he stated.
On the other hand, Paris 13's coach Maxence Flachez was pleased with his team's resilience. "We showed great character to come back and earn a point. This result gives us hope as we continue to fight for survival in this league," he commented.
This match was not just about the points; it was also a reminder of their previous encounter on April 21, 2023, when the game was played behind closed doors due to organizational issues, ending in a chaotic 2-2 draw. That match had been memorable for its interruptions and the unique circumstances surrounding it. This time, however, the focus was solely on the football, with both teams determined to make a statement.
As the season progresses, both teams have their sights set on different goals. AS Nancy Lorraine aims to solidify their position at the top of the league and secure promotion, while Paris 13 Atletico is in a battle for survival, hoping to climb out of the relegation zone. The draw leaves Nancy still in first place but with a tighter race ahead as other teams continue to push for the top.
Looking ahead, the next fixtures will be crucial for both teams. AS Nancy will need to maintain their momentum and find consistency in their performances, while Paris 13 must build on this draw to gather vital points in their fight against relegation. With the league heating up, every match will be pivotal as teams jockey for position in the standings.
