Red Star turned a breathless Saturday night in Saint-Ouen into a statement of intent, beating Clermont 3-2 to move provisionally to the top of Ligue 2 after eight rounds. Nantes, meanwhile, were held 0-0 by an unbeaten Reims side at La Beaujoire despite a lively return from the home support.
Damien Perrinelle’s Red Star made the perfect restart after the break in the schedule, taking control early against Clermont. Jovany Ikanga punished a high turnover in the sixth minute, driving a right-footed finish across Théo Guivarch to open the scoring.
Clermont responded through Enzo Cantero, whose fine left-footed strike levelled the match in the 22nd minute. The visitors could even have moved ahead ten minutes later, but Gaëtan Poussin kept out Marouane Admar’s long-range effort on the player’s first Ligue 2 appearance.
Red Star regained the lead after the interval when Damien Durand completed a swift attacking move in the 55th minute. Ikanga then struck again in the 68th, securing his brace and giving the hosts a two-goal cushion. Florian Bianchini converted a penalty in the 90th minute to bring Clermont back within one, but the late pressure did not alter the result.
The win sent Red Star temporarily into first place, pending Saint-Étienne’s evening meeting with Rodez. Clermont fell to 17th, immediately above Laval, with the battle at the lower end of the division becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
Nantes fail to break down Reims
At La Beaujoire, where the Brigade Loire provided a louder backdrop once more, Nantes and Reims could not find the decisive touch. Patrik Carlgren started in goal ahead of Maxime Dupé and was part of a Nantes side that began with purpose.
Ryad Hachem had an opportunity in the fifth minute, while Thomas Robinet went close twice in the opening 11 minutes, but the Canaris could not turn their early pressure into a lead. Reims gradually found their rhythm before half-time, with Mohamed Daramy causing repeated trouble down the left in the 30th and 45th minutes. Carlgren and his defence held firm.
Reims goalkeeper Tom Ritzy Hülsmann was crucial immediately after the restart, denying Ignatius Ganago in the 47th minute before stopping a Sow header a minute later. He was then relieved when Killian Corredor, back after around six weeks out, headed wide from close range with 20 minutes remaining.
Corredor missed another chance late on in the 87th minute, while Carlgren made sure Nantes were not beaten, dealing with efforts from Mambuku in the 76th minute and Diarrassouba eight minutes later. Grégory Poirier’s team remain away from the leading places, while Reims continue near the top and retain their unbeaten record.
