### Reigning Champions Nantes Secure Victory Over Relegation-Threatened Ajaccio
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, Nantes secured a crucial victory over relegation-threatened Ajaccio, lifting their spirits and improving their chances in the French Ligue 1 standings.
#### The Match Recap
The match was played on Saturday, October 29, 2023, at the iconic Stade de France. Nantes, currently in second place with 45 points, looked to maintain their dominance against Ajaccio, who were just two points behind them in third place.
Nantes' starting lineup included key players such as Kevin Travers, who scored twice in the first half, and Olivier Giroud, who added another goal in the second period. Ajaccio, though facing tough competition, put up a strong fight, with striker Romain Gironneau scoring once in the first half and goalkeeper Maxime Lejeune making several impressive saves.
#### Key Moments
- **First Half**: Nantes dominated from the start, with Travers scoring his first goal within the first five minutes. He followed up with a second goal in the 16th minute, putting the visitors ahead.
- **Second Half**: Ajaccio showed resilience, with Gironneau finding the back of the net in the 47th minute. However, Nantes' defense held firm, preventing any further goals.
- **Final Moments**: With the score tied at 2-2, Nantes managed to secure the win through a penalty shootout. Travers converted the only spot kick, securing the 3-2 victory for Nantes.
#### Impact on the League Table
With this win, Nantes moved up to second place in the league table, improving their overall position significantly. Their improved performance has lifted their morale and confidence, potentially giving them more opportunities to secure a top-four finish.
Ajaccio, meanwhile, suffered a setback but remain in contention for promotion. The club will need to improve defensively and find ways to increase their offensive output if they want to challenge for the title.
####赛后 Comments
Nantes coach Didier Deschamps expressed satisfaction with the team's performance: "We worked hard all season, and today we paid off our efforts. This is a big step forward for us."
Ajaccio manager Vincent Terrail acknowledged the defeat but praised the spirit of his team: "It was a tough game, but our players showed great determination. We'll learn from this loss and move forward."
#### Conclusion
This victory marks a significant turning point for Nantes, solidifying their position in the race for promotion. While Ajaccio faces challenges, their determination and potential still make them a force to be reckoned with in the remaining matches of the season. As both teams continue to play, it remains to be seen which side can capitalize on their current form and secure a coveted place in the top four.