Newly promoted Le Mans marked their first Ligue 1 appearance in 16 years with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Brest at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, extending the visitors’ winless league run to 10 matches.
Le Mans started brightly and nearly took the lead after eight minutes when Antoine Rabillard fired a volley over from close range. Brest gradually settled and came close themselves before the 20-minute mark, with Raphaël Le Guen sending his effort narrowly over the bar.
Brest broke the deadlock after 30 minutes when Kamory Doumbia found Romain Del Castillo, who turned past Rayan Bamba before calmly finishing into the bottom corner.
Le Mans responded well and levelled before half-time. After Egil Selvik saved Louis Mafouta’s effort and Yasser Larouci fired over, Dame Gueye reacted quickest to drill the ball home following Nicolas Kocik’s save from Ludovic Ajorque.
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The hosts then completed the turnaround 10 minutes after the restart. Adil Bourabaa released Mafouta with a quick through ball, and the forward raced clear before calmly placing his finish beyond Selvik.
Brest quickly responded, however, with Lucas Tousart’s header initially saved by Kocik before Doumbia reacted fastest to fire home the rebound and make it 2-2.
Le Mans defended resolutely late on to secure a point. Kocik produced another excellent save to deny Ajorque, while Rabillard made a crucial goal-line clearance to prevent Tousart from snatching a late winner.
The draw extended Le Mans’ unbeaten home run to 16 matches in all competitions, although they remain winless in all five previous meetings with Brest. Brest, meanwhile, have now failed to win their opening league match in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
