Red Star 2-3 Rodez

Scorers: Cabral (15′) and Escartin (61′) for Red Star // Baldé (29′), Magnin (67′) and Younoussa (69′) for Rodez

Red Card: Haag (90’+5) for Red Star

Ligue 2 delivered a night of high-stakes drama this Tuesday. In a fierce battle for promotion to the top flight, Red Star and Rodez produced an exhilarating display at the Stade Bauer. Ultimately, the Ruthénois emerged victorious (2-3) after twice trailing in the match. This win sets up a high-pressure encounter at Geoffroy-Guichard against Saint-Étienne this Friday, as Rodez continues its march toward the elite. The atmosphere at Saint-Ouen was electric, filled with the aroma of match-day snacks and under a stunning sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for a flurry of goals.

Buoyed by a capacity crowd, Red Star took an early initiative. Kevin Cabral ignited the stadium by rising to meet a cross from fan-favorite Damien Durand, sending a precise header into the far corner past Quentin Braat, who had just been named the division’s top goalkeeper (1-0, 15′). Both sides displayed an attacking intent, but the hosts eventually sat back, allowing Tairyk Arconte to use his strength to set up Ibrahima Baldé for the equalizer (1-1, 29′). The first half concluded in a lively fashion, complete with a stray second ball on the pitch and a spirited rendition of Sweet Caroline to keep the energy high during the break.

Rodez remains undefeated in league play since November

Red Star regained the lead shortly after the restart, launching several dangerous attacks. Braat was forced into a spectacular save to deny Cabral a second goal, but the striker soon turned provider. His clever cut-back found defender Josué Escartin, who clinicaly restored the home side’s advantage (2-1, 61′). However, this sparked a frantic ten-minute period where Rodez completely flipped the script. From a corner, Mathis Magnin unleashed a thunderous half-volley that crashed in off the underside of the bar (2-2, 67′).

Amidst the chaos, Red Star’s appeals for two penalties were dismissed, allowing Rodez to strike again on the counter. Wilitty Younoussa scored his first of the campaign, sliding the ball through the legs of Gaëtan Poussin (2-3, 69′). This turnaround showcased the resilience of a team that hasn’t tasted defeat in the league since early November. Despite missing chances to extend their lead and seeing Giovanni Haag sent off in stoppage time for dissent, Rodez held firm. It was a heartbreaking end for the Audoniens, while the traveling Ruthénois fans celebrated wildly in their section.

Next stop: the Cauldron!

Red Star (5-3-2): Poussin – Sylla (Magnin, 75′), Durivaux, Escartin, Huard (Haag, 62′), Durand – Danger, Pierret, Hachem (Ba, 75′) – Cabral (Khaoui, 75′), Ikanga (Benali, 62′). Coach: Grégory Poirier.

Rodez (3-5-2): Braat – Galves, Laurent, Magnin, Lipinski, Jean-Lambert (Ponti, 66′) – Mendes (Benchamma, 90’+2), Trouillet (Saka, 86′), Joly (Younoussa, 66′) – Baldé (Nagera, 86′), Arconte. Coach: Didier Santini.