Hauts Lyonnais 1-3 Nimes: Clinical Nimes secure impressive French Championnat National 2 away win

Nimes produced a ruthless away performance on Sunday, 20 September 2026, defeating Hauts Lyonnais 3-1 in the French Championnat National 2. A first-half opener from Amine Benyahia, a second-half brace and a late consolation from Théo Roux told the story of a match in which Nimes were sharper, more direct and far more clinical in front of goal.

The result strengthens Nimes' push near the top of the table and highlights the gap in efficiency between the two sides. Hauts Lyonnais had spells of possession and created a few promising moments, but they were punished for defensive lapses and an inability to turn pressure into goals.

Match overview

Nimes started with intent, pressing high and looking to win the ball in dangerous areas. That approach paid off in the 12th minute when Amine Benyahia intercepted a loose pass, drove forward and finished with composure. Hauts Lyonnais responded with a period of pressure, but their best chances came from distance and rarely troubled the Nimes goalkeeper.

After the break, Nimes doubled their lead through Benyahia again, this time finishing off a well-worked move down the right. Hauts Lyonnais tried to push forward, but Nimes' third goal in the 77th minute effectively ended the contest. Théo Roux pulled one back late for the hosts, but it was no more than a consolation.

Key moments

• 12th minute – Amine Benyahia opens the scoring: A high press forced a mistake, and Benyahia punished it with a calm finish.
• 58th minute – Benyahia doubles the lead: Nimes cut through the defense with a quick passing sequence, and Benyahia converted at the near post.
• 77th minute – Lucas Franco makes it 3-0: A counterattack ended with a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 89th minute – Théo Roux pulls one back: Hauts Lyonnais finally found the net with a late header, but the points were already gone.

Tactical story

Nimes lined up in a 4-3-3 and used their wide forwards to stretch the Hauts Lyonnais defense. Their midfield trio won the majority of second balls, allowing them to sustain pressure and launch quick transitions. When Hauts Lyonnais tried to build from the back, Nimes' front three pressed aggressively and forced errors.

Hauts Lyonnais had more of the ball in the middle third but lacked penetration in the final third. Their crosses were often overhit, and their central striker was isolated against two physically strong center-backs. Defensively, they struggled with Nimes' speed on the break, which proved decisive.

Standout performers

Amine Benyahia was the clear man of the match, scoring twice and constantly threatening with his movement. Lucas Franco added a goal and an assist, while Nimes' midfield controlled the tempo of the game. For Hauts Lyonnais, Théo Roux took his late goal well, but few others reached their best level.

French Championnat National 2 standings impact

Nimes leave with three important points and a confidence-boosting away victory in the French Championnat National 2. Hauts Lyonnais remain in need of points and will be concerned by the manner of the defeat, especially after competing for long spells without creating enough clear chances.