Le Mans in Ligue 1, the Greens in the play-offs

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By: Nicolas Gerbault

Le Mans in Ligue 1, the Greens in the play-offs

Le Mans earned its place in the elite by securing second place in the championship this Saturday on the Bastia pitch, during the 34th and final round of Ligue 2 (0-2). Saint-Etienne, Red Star and Rodez are in the play-offs.

Despite a chaotic end to the match and an interruption decided by Mr. Buquet while smoke bombs were thrown onto the lawn of the Armand-Cesari stadium, Le Mans has indeed validated its ticket for the elite by winning in Corsica this Saturday during the 34e and final day of Ligue 2 (0-2). A promotion which, whatever happens, will be ratified by the competitions commission of the Professional Football League.

Thanks to goals from Colas (16e) and Robin (90e+1), the Sarthois thus confirmed their second place behind the Trojan champion, winning the second direct ticket to Ligue 1 at the expense in particular of Stéphanois who at the same time were a success in front of Amiens (5-0).

Bastia in Ligue 3, Laval on reprieve

Weighed down by three consecutive defeats before this rebound of the day, the Greens failed two lengths behind Manceaux and will therefore play a play-off final against the survivor of the poster between the Red Star (4e) and Rodez (5e) – the Audoniens having for their part drawn with Montpellier (1-1) while the Ruthenois beat Annecy (1-2).

Besides the Annéciens, seventh in the end, the big losers of the evening are the Rémois, sixth and thus deprived of the play-offs despite their success over Pau (5-3). At the opposite end of the ranking, the results observed are also fatal in Bastia. Laval, defeater of Boulogne-sur-Mer (2-1), snatching its ticket for a playoff to be played against the third in National. Either Sochaux, Fleury-Mérogis, Rouen or Versailles.

The play-off schedule:

Promotion to Ligue 1

Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. on beIN SPORTS 1

Play-off 1: 4th in Ligue 2 BKT – 5th in Ligue 2 BKT
Friday May 15, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. on beIN SPORTS 1

Play-off 2: 3rd in Ligue 2 BKT – winner of Play-off 1 in Ligue 2 BKT

Thursday May 21, 2026 at 8:45 p.m. on Ligue 1+ and beIN SPORTS 1

Ligue 1 play-off first leg McDonald’s: winner of the Ligue 2 BKT play-offs – 16th in Ligue 1 McDonald’s
Sunday May 24, 2026 at 8:45 p.m. on Ligue 1+ and beIN SPORTS 1

McDonald’s Ligue 1 return play-off: 16th in Ligue 1 McDonald’s – winner of the Ligue 2 BKT play-offs

Retention in Ligue 2 or relegation to Ligue 3

Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. on beIN SPORTS 1

First leg play-off of Ligue 2 BKT: 3rd in the National – 16th in Ligue 2 BKT

Sunday May 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. on beIN SPORTS 1

Ligue 2 BKT return play-off: 16th in Ligue 2 BKT – 3rd in the National

Nicolas Gerbault

Written by:

Nicolas Gerbault

Nicolas Gerbault is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Nicolas discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Nicolas enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.