Rodez 2-1 Estac Troyes: Ligue 2 2025-26 match report

Rodez secured a vital three points at the Stade Paul-Lignon on Tuesday, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Estac Troyes 2-1 in a Ligue 2 encounter defined by second-half tactical adjustments. Didier Santini’s side, set up in a rigid 5-3-2 formation, showed significant resilience after a disjointed start, eventually breaking down Stephane Dumont’s 4-1-4-1 setup to claim the victory.

The opening

The match began in the worst possible fashion for the hosts. With only three minutes elapsed, Estac Troyes capitalized on a lapse in defensive concentration, as M. Adeline found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead. The goal forced Rodez to rethink their approach, as the 5-3-2 setup initially struggled to contain the movement of the Troyes midfield.

The intensity of the contest was evident early on, as Adeline, having scored, found himself in the referee's book just seven minutes after his goal. As the half progressed, Rodez attempted to stabilize their defensive line, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Troyes block. By the 41st minute, E. Jean-Lambert picked up a yellow card for Rodez, reflecting the frustration of a side unable to penetrate the final third before the interval. Despite trailing, Santini’s men remained composed, heading into the break with the knowledge that their defensive structure had largely held firm following the initial setback.

The decisive moment

The second half saw a marked shift in momentum. Rodez emerged with higher intent, pressing the Troyes backline with more frequency. This pressure yielded results in the 54th minute when M. Saka leveled the score. The goal served as a catalyst for the home side, who began to exert control over the midfield battle.

Recognizing the need to capitalize on this shift, Santini utilized his bench effectively. The introduction of K. Nagera, A. Trouillet, and eventually M. Saka—who had been involved in the equalizer—shifted the rhythm of the game. The decisive blow arrived in the 72nd minute, mere moments after the final wave of substitutions, as T. Arconte scored to put Rodez ahead for the first time in the match.

Troyes attempted to respond, with coach Stephane Dumont making a flurry of changes in the 73rd and 81st minutes to inject fresh energy into his attack. However, the visitors struggled to find a way through the Rodez defensive shell. The frustration boiled over late in the game for the visitors; M. El Idrissy, who had only been on the pitch for a short duration, received two yellow cards in the 89th minute, resulting in a dismissal. Despite a late yellow card for Rodez’s C. Jolibois in stoppage time, the hosts managed the final minutes with relative comfort to seal the 2-1 victory.

Looking ahead

For Rodez, this victory provides a significant boost to their standing, demonstrating an ability to recover from early setbacks through disciplined tactical execution. Conversely, the result leaves Estac Troyes searching for consistency, as the late-game collapse and subsequent red card highlight a need for better composure during high-pressure moments in the final stages of the season.