In the latest round of matches in French football's top tier, Strasbourg and Ajaccio both secured important victories that could help their respective teams stay in the hunt for a playoff spot or escape relegation.
For Strasbourg, it was a crucial victory over their arch-rivals Monaco. The Alsacians had been struggling in recent weeks and were looking to bounce back from a poor run of form. They took control of the match early on, dominating possession and creating chances. Their efforts paid off as they scored two goals through Yannick Bolasie and Kevin Gameiro in the first half. Despite being reduced to ten men late in the game, Strasbourg held on to secure all three points and remain in contention for a top six finish.
Meanwhile, Ajaccio fought hard to earn a much-needed win against Dijon. The hosts were trailing by two goals at halftime but rallied in the second half, scoring twice to level the scoreline. A stunning goal from Anthony Vialla put them ahead before they held on for a 3-2 win. With this victory, Ajaccio has now clinched safety in Ligue 1 and can breathe easy knowing that they have enough points to avoid relegation next season.
These results highlight the importance of consistency and resilience in French football. Both Strasbourg and Ajaccio will be hoping to build on these performances in the coming months and continue their strong runs of form. It remains to be seen whether either team can make a serious push for promotion, but they certainly have what it takes to challenge for a top six finish this season.