Ligue 1 J24: Brest wins at Metz, Lille catches up with OM

The 24th matchday of Ligue 1 delivered its share of suspense and high stakes on Sunday, March 1, including a crucial victory for Stade Brestois over FC Metz, a late win for LOSC against Nantes, and an entertaining match between Lorient and Auxerre. These results directly impact the relegation battle and the race for European spots as the championship approaches its final stretch.

Brest wins at Metz despite a numerical disadvantage

FC Metz, bottom of the league, hosted Brest at Stade Saint-Symphorien hoping to secure their first win since November 9, 2025. However, despite having a one-man advantage from the 22nd minute after Brest defender Daouda Guindo’s red card, the Grenats failed to impose their game or find the net. Their lack of creativity and offensive momentum proved costly against a Brest side that showed efficiency. Ludovic Ajorque scored the only goal of the match in the 69th minute, securing a 10-men Brest victory. Late in the game, young Nathan Mbala attempted a free-kick without success. This defeat leaves Metz deeper in the relegation zone, five points from safety, and marks another setback for coach Benoît Tavenot, who remains winless in the league since his arrival.

Lille snatches a stoppage-time win and joins OM

In the North, LOSC hosted Nantes in a high-stakes match for European qualification. Lille dominated the first half but failed to capitalize, even hitting the crossbar shortly after the restart through Matias Fernandez-Pardo. It wasn’t until the very end that Lille broke through, with Nathan Ngoy scoring in the 90+4th minute, assisted by Thomas Meunier. This 1-0 win allows Lille to temporarily draw level with Olympique de Marseille (4th), overtaking Rennes on goal difference. Despite their efforts, Nantes remain in a precarious 17th place, in the relegation zone.

Lorient and Auxerre share the spoils in a thrilling match

Another exciting fixture saw Lorient face Auxerre at the Moustoir, with the game delivering on its promise as four goals were scored in the first half-hour. Both teams traded leads and quick comebacks: Marvin Senaya opened the scoring in the 1st minute, Bamba Dieng replied twice for Lorient (19th, 29th), while Josué Casimir put the visitors ahead (24th). Despite several chances in the second half, neither side could break the deadlock, finishing 2-2. Lorient remains in 10th place, while Auxerre sits 16th, just above the relegation zone.

This 24th matchday underscores the intensity of the battle at both ends of the table, where every point matters as the season enters its final third. Metz must now react in their next away game at Lens, second in the league, while Lille and OM remain locked in a tight race for European qualification.