Ligue 1 Round 36: Clermont's Comeback Sees 2-1 Win Over Strasbourg, Retaining Relegation Hope.

# Ligue 1 Round 36: Clermont's Comeback Sees 2-1 Win Over Strasbourg, Retaining Relegation Hope

Clermont Foot drew first blood in the 36th round of Ligue 1, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Strasbourg at Stade Gabriel-Montpied. The match was a rollercoaster encounter, filled with drama, as Clermont managed to overturn a 1-0 deficit to maintain their hopes of avoiding relegation.

The game began with both sides looking to impose their styles, but it was Strasbourg who took the lead in the 15th minute. A well-crafted move saw Kevin Volland slot home from close range, giving the visitors a crucial early advantage. Clermont, however, refused to back down and responded with renewed intent.

The turning point came in the 35th minute when Lucas Deaux leveled the score. A clinical counter-attack saw Deaux receive a perfectly weighted pass from Wesley Saïd and slot into the bottom-right corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal not only brought Clermont level but also injected confidence into the team.

In the 85th minute, Clermont sealed their comeback. A corner kick was delivered from the right flank, and the unmarked Maxime Kouassi rose highest to head the ball into the net. The goal, struck at the stroke of 85 minutes, was a moment of pure class and marked the end of Strasbourg’s resistance.

Despite the late winner, Strasbourg will undoubtedly rue their missed opportunities, particularly a chance to double their lead in the first half. The visitors dominated possession early on but failed to convert their dominance into more goals. Manager Antoine Mankowski will need to assess his side’s performance ahead of their next game.

For Clermont, the result is a much-needed boost in their battle to avoid relegation. The club are currently 17th in the table, but with six games remaining, they can still turn things around. Manager Pascal Gallice will be proud of his team’s resilience and ability to dig deep when needed.

The match also highlighted the importance of set-pieces, with both goals coming from either a header or a well-executed set-piece. Clermont’s ability to exploit Strasbourg’s defensive vulnerabilities will be a positive takeaway as they prepare for their next fixture.

In summary, Clermont’s 2-1 victory over Strasbourg was a testament to their character and determination. While Strasbourg will need to regroup, Clermont’s fighting spirit has kept their relegation hopes alive. The game was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where even a seemingly lost cause can be turned around with a late rally.