CS Constantine 2-4 JS El Biar: visitors claim six-goal thriller in Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1

JS El Biar produced one of the standout results of the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 round, beating CS Constantine 4-2 at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on 18 October 2026. In a match that swung repeatedly, the away side’s sharper finishing and ruthless counter-attacking proved decisive against a Constantine team that struggled to control transitions.

The six-goal contest gave the scoreline a dramatic look, but the story was built on fine margins: Constantine enjoyed long spells of possession, while JS El Biar consistently found space behind the home defence. The visitors scored at key moments, including a first-half brace from Sofiane Haddad that set the tone for a memorable away performance.

Match overview

CS Constantine began with the intent expected of a home side, pushing full-backs high and looking to dominate through the middle. That approach created early half-chances, but it also left space for JS El Biar to break into. The visitors were compact in a 4-4-2 mid-block and looked to release their wide midfielders quickly whenever possession turned over.

• Competition: Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1
• Result: CS Constantine 2-4 JS El Biar
• Venue: Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui
• Date: 18 October 2026

Key moments

The opening goal arrived in the 12th minute when JS El Biar turned a loose ball in midfield into a rapid counter. Sofiane Haddad received possession on the right, cut inside, and placed a low finish beyond the Constantine goalkeeper. The home side responded well and equalised in the 24th minute through Riad Benayad, who rose well to meet a left-wing cross and head home.

Constantine’s parity lasted only until the 38th minute. Karim Belkacem picked up the ball just outside the penalty area, shifted onto his stronger foot, and curled a fine effort into the far corner. That goal changed the mood inside the stadium, and JS El Biar doubled down early in the second half when Haddad scored his second of the night in the 52nd minute after another quick break.

CS Constantine were handed a route back into the game in the 67th minute when they won a penalty, which Oussama Benchaib converted confidently. For a brief period, the home side pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but JS El Biar defended their box well and sealed the result in the 84th minute. Substitute Yacine Merzougui broke clear on the left and finished calmly to make it 4-2.

Tactical story

The match was a clear contrast in styles. CS Constantine wanted to build patiently, dominate the ball, and pin JS El Biar back. The visitors, by contrast, were happy to concede possession in harmless areas and strike in transition. Their midfield duo stayed disciplined, screening the back four and forcing Constantine to play around them rather than through them.

JS El Biar’s wide players were especially important. They stretched Constantine’s back line, drew full-backs out of position, and created room for late runs into the box. The home side’s high defensive line was repeatedly exposed, particularly in the second half as they chased the game. Constantine’s pressure produced chances, but their inability to counter-press effectively after losing the ball allowed the visitors to control the rhythm of the contest.

Standout players

Sofiane Haddad was the obvious match-winner for JS El Biar, scoring twice and constantly threatening on the break. Karim Belkacem also impressed with his composure in possession and his well-taken goal before half-time. For CS Constantine, Riad Benayad was the most positive performer, offering a focal point in attack and scoring a well-executed header. Oussama Benchaib’s penalty kept the home side within touching distance, but Constantine’s defensive shape ultimately let them down.

What it means for the table

The three points give JS El Biar a significant boost in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 standings, strengthening their position in the upper half of the table and adding momentum to their season. For CS Constantine, the defeat is a missed opportunity to climb, and the manner of the loss will raise questions about their defensive balance when pushing forward. The result also adds a notable entry to the head-to-head record between the two sides and underlines how dangerous JS El Biar can be when allowed to play on the counter.