Already the author of a match on alternating current against Dunkirk and Rodez, FC Lorient produced a very poor copy during its trip to Clermont this Friday evening. Apathetic offensively, the Merlus ended their five-game unbeaten streak and above all confirmed their current woes. So certainly, the starting eleven was very different than usual, with the return in particular of Makengo in the middle (first time since December 3, 2023), and of Laporte in a three-way defense with Talbi and Adjei. But it is not enough to explain this lackluster face.
Only two shots on target
During a sluggish first act, where neither team made any real difference, Soumano missed the inevitable in front of goal on a very good serve from James (12'). Apart from that, the FCL offered nothing and only struck once through Mvuka, without any danger (6'), before being punished after the trouble. On a foul not called against Mvuka at the start, Katseris made a foul in frustration. The free kick was deflected by Jacquet and Da Silva just had to push into the empty goal (45') before the break. This FC Lorient has accustomed its supporters to knowing how to be patient by reacting, with 10 points taken after being behind, but the FCL was unable to break through the Clermont block. And to make matters worse, Pantaloni had to send off the injured Bamba after he had just come on (72'). Harmless, the FCL was punished again with a jewel from Douane (2-0, 76') and conceded a ninth goal in four games.
The best attack in Ligue 2 (22 goals) then relied on the entry of Pagis, to provoke a penalty which Tosin was responsible for transforming to reignite the suspense (2-1, 80'). Insufficient this time for FC Lorient, 2nd, which fell for the third time this season outside its bases and saw Paris FC regain a three-point lead at the top and Annecy and Dunkirk come within one point.
Referee: Mr. Lesage
BUTS. CLERMONT: Da Silva (45'), Douane (76'); FC Lorient: Tosin (80')
Warnings. Clermont: Gastien (20'), Armougom (90'); FC LORIENT : Abergel (17'), James (23'), Katseris (43').
CLERMONT : Ndiaye – Konate, Da Silva, Jacquet, Diallo – Gastien, Keita (Ackra, 68')- Bassouamina (Diop, 60'), Saivet (Magnin, 80'), Douane (Armougom, 80') – Diedhiou (Baaloudj, 68').
Not entered: Guivarch (g), Mwimba Isala
FC LORIENT Mvogo – Adjei, Talbi, Laporte – Katseris, Abergel, Makengo (Avom Ebong, 77'), James (Yongwa, 77'), Mvuka (Pagis, 60'), Soumano (Bamba, 60', Ponceau, 72'), Tosin
Not entered into play: Leroy (g), Silva
