Dijon secured an immediate return to Ligue 2 after a two-year absence, winning the National championship with a 2-1 victory away to Le Puy-en-Velay on Saturday. Goals from Waly Diouf in the 31st minute and Michaël Barreto in the 64th sealed the win as Dijon also took advantage of Sochaux's defeat at Châteauroux to finish top. The club, relegated from Ligue 2 in 2023, had finished fourth in the previous two National seasons.
For Sochaux, the promotion party was delayed. The Lionceaux were beaten 1-2 by Châteauroux, missing the chance to secure their return to Ligue 2 on Saturday. However, with third-placed Fleury-Mérogis losing 0-2 at Orléans, Sochaux retain a three-point lead and a vastly superior goal difference (25 vs 18) heading into the final matchday. They will host Le Puy-en-Velay on Friday, needing only a draw to guarantee promotion. Behind them, Rouen and Versailles are battling for the third-place playoff spot against the 16th-placed Ligue 2 side.
At the bottom of the table, Stade Briochin won their second consecutive match, beating Quevilly-Rouen Métropole 3-0, but it was not enough to avoid relegation. The club finishes in last place. The relegation battle remains tight: Châteauroux, who upset Sochaux, stay alive and will face Valenciennes on the final day. Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, one point ahead of Châteauroux, host Paris 13 Atlético in a must-win clash.
Dijon's resurgence under coach Baptiste Ridira has been impressive, especially after two near-misses in previous seasons. The club's promotion caps a strong campaign, and they will look to stabilize in Ligue 2 next term. Sochaux, meanwhile, have one foot in the door and will hope to finish the job at home.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.