Nantes Women edged Strasbourg Women 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in the French Division 1 Feminine on 25 October 2026, with the home side finding a late winner after surrendering a two-goal lead.

The victory gave Nantes an important three points in their push up the standings, while Strasbourg were left to rue a spirited comeback that ultimately fell short at the Stade Marcel-Saupin.

Match overview

Nantes started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when a quick move down the left ended with a low finish at the near post. The home side doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark, capitalising on a defensive mistake and converting from close range. Strasbourg responded well, pulling one back in the 38th minute through a well-placed shot from the edge of the area.

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half and equalised in the 58th minute after a sustained spell of pressure, with a header from a corner beating the Nantes goalkeeper. The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but Nantes regrouped and found the winner in the 84th minute when a substitute forward latched onto a through ball and finished confidently.

Key moments

• 12’ — Nantes take the lead: A flowing move down the left is finished at the near post.
• 29’ — Nantes double their advantage: A defensive error is punished with a close-range finish.
• 38’ — Strasbourg pull one back: A precise strike from the edge of the box finds the bottom corner.
• 58’ — Strasbourg equalise: A corner is met with a powerful header.
• 84’ — Nantes score the winner: A substitute runs onto a through ball and finishes calmly.

Tactical story

Nantes’s attacking width caused Strasbourg problems throughout the first half, with both wingers stretching the defence and creating space for late runs into the box. Strasbourg struggled to deal with the pace of those attacks but gradually adjusted their defensive line and began to press higher after the interval. That change forced Nantes into mistakes and helped the visitors build the momentum that produced their equaliser.

In the final 20 minutes, Nantes switched to a more direct approach, looking to exploit the space behind Strasbourg’s advanced full-backs. The winning goal came from exactly that pattern, with a well-timed pass releasing the substitute into the channel. Strasbourg pushed for a third equaliser in stoppage time, but Nantes managed the closing moments with composure.

Standout players

Nantes’s substitute forward made the decisive impact, scoring the winner and stretching the Strasbourg defence with her movement. Their left winger was a constant threat in the first half, contributing to both of the opening goals. For Strasbourg, the midfielder who scored the first goal was excellent, driving her team forward and linking play intelligently. The visitors’ centre-back also impressed despite the defeat, winning several important duels.

Season impact

The win strengthens Nantes’s position in the French Division 1 Feminine table and gives them confidence ahead of a challenging run of fixtures. Strasbourg will take encouragement from their comeback but will be disappointed to concede late. In a competitive league where goal difference and momentum matter, Nantes’s ability to find a late winner could prove valuable by the end of the season.