In a tightly contested affair at the Stade Louis-Dior on November 1, 2025, Montlouis snatched a crucial victory against Granville, winning 2-1. This match was critical for both teams, sitting deep in the relegation zone of National 2 - Group A with only seven points each prior to kickoff.
The atmosphere was electric as Montlouis came into the match hoping to build on their recent momentum from a 2-0 win over Dinan Léhon. Granville, on the other hand, was desperate for a turnaround after suffering five consecutive defeats. With so much at stake, both sides entered with an urgency that was palpable.
The first half began with an energetic pace from both teams. Montlouis struck first through Hugo Lemoine, who has been in fine form this season. His sixth goal of the campaign came when he converted a well-timed cross into the box, sending his side up 1-0 just before halftime. Lemoine's early contribution set the tone and highlighted Granville's struggles to contain their opponents' attacking threats.
Facing adversity as they entered the break behind, Granville sought to regroup during halftime. Their chances were limited in the first half; despite sustained possession, they failed to create meaningful opportunities against a resolute Montlouis defense led by Bastien Raguin.
As the second half unfolded, Granville intensified their efforts and soon found their equalizer in the 57th minute. The home crowd erupted as Maxime Eydoux, under pressure to deliver after recent lackluster performances, expertly slotted home from inside the area following a chaotic scramble off a corner kick. At this moment, hope flickered for Granville as they leveled at 1-1.
However, Montlouis responded decisively just five minutes later. In a classic display of counterattacking football, they reclaimed control when Martin Delaporte capitalized on a defensive lapse by Granville and fired a shot that beat goalkeeper Jonathan Leclerc. With Delaporte's goal marking his first of the season, Montlouis regained their lead and sent their fans into raptures once more.
Following Delaporte's strike, Granville pressed hard for another equalizer but struggled to find that final cutting edge. Despite making several substitutions aimed at sparking fresh energy into their attack, nothing could breach Montlouis' organized backline.
As referee Thomas Girard blew the final whistle, it marked yet another disappointing chapter for Granville-a team desperately seeking to turn its fortunes around after falling deeper into relegation trouble with seven points from eight matches. Meanwhile, Montlouis celebrated this vital win that not only provided them with three points but also helped them leapfrog Granville in league standings; both teams now sit on equal footing with seven points each but with Montlouis ahead due to goal difference.
Looking ahead to November 7 for Granville and November 8 for Montlouis presents both challenges and opportunities; Granville will travel to Angoulême while Montlouis heads off to face Bayonne. With neither team wanting another slip-up in what has been a grueling start to their seasons, these upcoming matches promise even more tension as they strive for crucial points in this tightly packed league table.
Reflecting back on my pre-match prediction-where I believed Granville might finally break their losing streak-I have no choice but to chuckle at my misplaced optimism. However naive it may seem now after watching them fall short again today against a determined Montlouis side, football often delights us with unexpected turns-making every match day ripe with potential drama and surprises alike as teams fight tooth and nail for survival against relegation fears hanging over them like an impending storm cloud.