# Nantes Edge Out Strasbourg in Thrilling Match: Boosting Relegation Hopes
Nantes secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Strasbourg in a match that could be pivotal in their bid to avoid relegation. The win, secured through a late goal by Gaëtan Laborde, sees Nantes move to 12th place in Ligue 1, offering a much-needed boost in their survival hopes.
The match was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but struggling to break the deadlock. Strasbourg, who had been in decent form recently, came into the game with high hopes, but Nantes’ defensive resilience eventually told. The home side’s pressure told in the 82nd minute when Laborde, a former Strasbourg player, slotted home a winner.
The victory, coupled with Nantes’ recent form, has increased the confidence within the squad as they aim to stay in the top flight. Currently, Nantes are 12th, but they are still four points above the relegation zone, thanks to their improved results. However, with eight games remaining, they cannot afford to relax and must maintain this level of performance.
Head coach Antoine Mergeau praised his side’s fighting spirit after the match. “We’ve been through a tough few months, but this win shows our character,” he said. “We need to build on this and continue pushing for safety.”
For Strasbourg, the defeat is a setback in their own quest for survival. They are now 14th, just one point above the relegation zone, and will need to respond in their next matches. This result has also highlighted the importance of solid defending and clinical finishing, two areas Strasbourg will need to address in the coming weeks.
In summary, Nantes’ 1-0 win over Strasbourg is a crucial step in their fight against relegation. While they are not yet safe, the victory has given them a much-needed boost in their quest for league survival. Both teams will have to dig deep in their remaining fixtures, but for now, Nantes can take pride in their hard-earned success.