Late Drama Sees Le Havre Stay in Ligue 1 After Strasbourg Defeat

Strasbourg's bid for a Champions League spot ended in heartbreak as Le Havre came from behind to win 3-2 with a late penalty.

Le Havre secured their Ligue 1 spot with a dramatic 3-2 win over Strasbourg, thanks to Abdoulaye Touré's 96th-minute penalty. Strasbourg had hoped a win, combined with losses from Nice and Lille, would propel them into the UEFA Champions League.

Strasbourg's chances of Champions League qualification were dashed despite taking an early lead. However, they were reduced to 10 men and couldn't hold on for the win, ultimately falling short in their bid for a spot in the top European competition.

Strasbourg goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović made a crucial save, diving to his near post to deny Issa Soumaré's close-range header and keeping the scores level.

Le Havre were awarded a penalty before halftime after Valentín Barco committed a careless handball in the box. Abdoulaye Touré confidently converted the spot-kick into the corner, leveling the score and giving Le Havre a crucial lifeline in their fight to stay in Ligue 1.

Full time as Le Havre score with a last-minute penalty pic.twitter.com/wFZ4SaCPdD

— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) May 17, 2025

Strasbourg reasserted their lead just eight minutes into the second half, with Sebastian Nanasi scoring again, replicating his impressive strike from the reverse fixture in December.

Le Havre thought they had equalized in the 66th minute when Koka slotted home after Petrović's attempted clearance hit Yassine Kechta. However, VAR intervened, ruling Koka offside in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed, much to the Chelsea loanee's relief.

Petrović's relief was short-lived, as four minutes later, Josué Casimir scored a stunning volley, heading Le Havre into a 2-1 lead after Issa Soumaré delivered a precise cross.

The visitors nearly sealed the win when Koka's shot hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute. However, the decisive moment came when Andrew Omobamidele's poorly timed challenge in the box gifted Le Havre a penalty. Abdoulaye Touré calmly chipped the penalty home, securing a dramatic 3-2 win and lifting Le Havre out of the relegation play-off position at the expense of Reims.

Strasbourg's heartbreaking loss means they miss out on a European campaign, ending their hopes of participating in the UEFA Champions League, and marking a disappointing end to their season.