Ligue 1: Simon unable to rescue Nantes from defeat, Lille secure late win, Brest comes out on top in thriller

Matchday action in Ligue 1 delivered plenty of drama, as Nantes suffered a 3-2 defeat despite Moses Simon’s efforts, while Lille secured a crucial late victory.

Elsewhere, Brest edged out their opponents in a thrilling encounter, further shaking up the league standings.

Here’s how the key matches unfolded.

Le Havre 3–2 Nantes

Nantes suffered a frustrating 3-2 defeat at Le Havre, leaving them just three points above the relegation play-off spot.

Despite Moses Simon’s well-taken second-half equalizer, Les Canaris were undone by an 88th-minute winner from Timothée Pembélé. Saïdou Sow had earlier canceled out Abdoulaye Touré’s opener before conceding a second penalty, which Touré converted.

Nantes struggled for attacking fluency after Simon’s goal, and a late defensive lapse allowed Le Havre to snatch a crucial victory in the relegation battle.

Rennes 3–0 Angers 

Rennes secured a crucial 3-0 win over Angers, handing the hosts their fourth straight Ligue 1 defeat without scoring. Arnaud Kalimuendo opened the scoring early, before substitute Ismaël Koné doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike.

Kalimuendo sealed his brace in stoppage time, leaving Angers just three points above the relegation zone while Rennes moved eight points clear of danger.

Auxerre 1–0 Montpellier

​Auxerre secured a 1-0 victory over Montpellier at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps during Ligue 1’s 27th round.

The decisive goal came in the 82nd minute when Florian Ayé capitalized on a precise cross from Ki-Jana Hoever, finishing from close range.

Toulouse 2–4 Brest

Stade Brestois ended their three-game winless run away from home with a 4-2 victory over Toulouse in Ligue 1.

Justin Bourgault opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley, followed by Mathias Pereira Lage’s clinical finish. Kamory Doumbia added a third after the break before Vincent Sierro and Joshua King pulled Toulouse back into contention.

However, Brest sealed the win with a late counterattack goal from Mahdi Camara. The victory lifts Brest to eighth, while Toulouse’s European hopes take a hit as they sit in 10th.

Lille 1–0 Lens 

Lille secured a narrow 1-0 win over Lens in the 100th Ligue 1 edition of Derby du Nord. Mathias Fernandez-Pardo capitalized on a goalkeeper error to score the only goal of the game early on.

Despite dominating the first half, Lille couldn’t extend their lead but managed to see out the victory, moving up to fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed Nice.