Saint-Ouen, France – Red Star FC secured a vital 1-0 victory over USL Dunkerque on Saturday afternoon at Stade de Paris, propelling them to fourth place in the Ligue 2 standings. The win, crucial in the race for a playoff spot, comes after a recent dip in form for Les Étoiles Rouges, having gone three matches without a win.
The victory was particularly crucial given Dunkerque’s status as a direct competitor for playoff qualification. A failure to secure three points could have significantly complicated Red Star’s chances of reaching the top five. The team’s ability to overcome this challenge underscores their resilience and ambition this season.
Red Star manager Grégory Poirier opted for a reshuffled attack, handing a first start to Abdelsamad Hachem alongside Kevin Cabral. Swiss international Théo Magnin, a winter transfer window arrival, was deployed at right-back, while Damien Durand, the team’s leading scorer with nine goals, shifted to the left-back position. This tactical adjustment proved effective, providing a spark in the early stages of the match.
Despite a promising start, Red Star initially lacked the finishing touch. However, the breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute. Following a well-executed interception in midfield, Damien Durand delivered a precise cross for Kévin Cabral, who headed the ball past the Dunkerque goalkeeper to make it 1-0. It was a moment of quality that rewarded Red Star’s early pressure.
Dunkerque, despite being the second-highest scoring team in Ligue 2, posed little threat to the Red Star defense. The Audoniens continued to create opportunities after the break, with Ryad Hachem and Abdelsamad Hachem both coming close to extending the lead in quick succession. However, they were unable to capitalize on these chances.
The Red Star defense remained solid throughout the match, effectively containing Dunkerque’s attacking threats. A late attempt from Sylvestre, a save from Poussin, and a missed opportunity from Kanté in added time were the closest Dunkerque came to finding an equalizer. The 1-0 scoreline held, much to the delight of the home supporters.
The win sees Red Star climb to fourth in Ligue 2, one point ahead of Rodez, who surprisingly defeated Reims 1-2. While Troyes and Saint-Étienne appear to have a firm grip on the automatic promotion spots, Red Star’s consistent presence in the top five – they haven’t dropped out since the fifth matchday – demonstrates their strong challenge for a playoff berth.
The match likewise highlighted the tactical flexibility of manager Poirier, who successfully adjusted his lineup to address the team’s recent offensive struggles. The introduction of Hachem and Magnin added new dimensions to the attack, while Durand’s versatility proved valuable in a defensive role.
Match Details:
RED STAR – DUNKERQUE : 1-0 (1-0). Attendance: 4527. Referee: M. Perreau Niel.
Goal: Cabral (40e).
Cautions: Red Star: Haag (64e); Dunkerque: Sylvestre (86e).
Red Star: Poussin – Durivaux, Lemonnier, Danger – Haag – Magnin (Sylla, 65e), R. Hachem (cap.), Pierret (Benali, 87e), Durand (Huard, 80e) – Cabral (Ikanga, 65e), A. Hachem (Meïssa Ba, 80e). Manager: Poirier.
Red Star will seem to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next Ligue 2 fixture. The team’s performance against Dunkerque provides a solid foundation for a strong finish to the season and a continued push for promotion to Ligue 1. Fans can follow the team’s progress and identify official updates on the club’s website and social media channels.
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