Genets Anglet 2–3 Pau FC II: Reserve side edges Basque derby in five-goal National 2 thriller

Genets Anglet suffered a narrow home defeat on 6 September 2026, going down 2-3 to Pau FC II in a lively French Championnat National 2 encounter. The match, played at the Stade Saint-Jean in Anglet, produced five goals and plenty of drama as the visitors from the Béarn demonstrated the depth of the Pau FC academy system.

The result gave Pau FC II a valuable early-season statement victory on the road, while Genets Anglet were left to rue missed opportunities in front of their own supporters. Despite a spirited second-half response from the hosts, the young Pau side held on to claim all three points.

How the game unfolded

The visitors started brightly and controlled possession in the opening exchanges. Pau FC II’s technical midfield set the tempo, and it came as little surprise when they opened the scoring midway through the first half. After a neat one-two on the edge of the box, the Pau striker finished calmly past the Anglet goalkeeper, silencing the home crowd.

Anglet had chances of their own before the break, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending kept them off the scoresheet. Matters worsened for the home side just before half-time when Pau FC II doubled their lead from a set-piece, rising highest to head home a corner and put the away side firmly in control.

Trailing 2-0 at the interval, Genets Anglet emerged with far greater urgency after the restart. Within ten minutes of the second half, Anglet pulled a goal back through a well-worked attacking move down the right flank, giving the home faithful hope of a comeback. The tension in the stadium rose again as the hosts pressed forward and finally drew level with twenty minutes remaining, converting from a penalty after a foul in the box.

Late drama and key moments

With the score at 2-2, the momentum appeared to have shifted entirely in Anglet’s favour. However, Pau FC II showed remarkable composure for a reserve side. In the 78th minute, a rapid counter-attack split the Anglet defence, and the visitors restored their lead with a clinical finish from just inside the area.

Try as they might, Genets Anglet could not find a third equaliser. The final minutes were frantic, with the home team pumping crosses into the box, but Pau FC II’s backline — marshalled by an experienced centre-back — held firm. The full-time whistle confirmed a 3-2 away victory that felt both thrilling and deserved for the resilience shown by the young visitors.

Standout performers

• Pau FC II’s attacking line: The away side’s front players were a constant menace on the break, and their movement caused problems all evening. Their third goal was particularly notable for its speed and precision.
• Anglet’s second-half resurgence: Despite the eventual loss, Genets Anglet showed character to come back from two goals down. Their willingness to keep playing attacking football will encourage supporters even if the points slipped away.

Table impact and season context

The result was an important one for Pau FC II as they continued their development under the Pau FC umbrella, collecting three points away from home in a competitive National 2 group. Reserve teams in the French fourth tier are often unpredictable, and this victory highlighted the quality of the club’s youth prospects.

For Genets Anglet, the defeat represented a missed opportunity to secure home points in the early stages of the season. With the Championnat National 2 campaign still taking shape, Anglet will need to tighten their defence while maintaining the fighting spirit shown in this match.

Matches between Basque and Béarn clubs always carry local pride, and this one lived up to that reputation. While Pau FC II claimed the bragging rights on the night, both sides will look back on a competitively contested fixture that offered plenty of entertainment for neutrals.