Date: 2026-07-23 | Competition: International Club Friendly | Venue: Stade Jos Haupert, Niederkorn

APM Metz ran riot in Luxembourg, defeating Progres Niedercorn 5-2 in a pre‑season friendly that showcased the French side’s firepower. Metz, preparing for their Ligue 2 campaign, scored four times in a breathtaking first‑half display that left the hosts chasing shadows.

First Half Goal Rush

Metz started at a blistering pace. Within the first 15 minutes, they had already netted twice. The opening goal came from a well‑worked move down the right, finished by forward Georges Mikautadze with a crisp shot into the bottom corner. The second followed shortly after when Ablie Jallow cut inside and curled a beauty into the top bin – a goal that had the Metz bench on their feet.

Progres Niedercorn, who play in the Luxembourg National Division, looked rattled. Metz added a third in the 28th minute through a powerful header from central defender Ismaël Traoré from a corner. And just before the break, Mikautadze grabbed his second of the night, latching onto a through‑ball and finishing calmly. 4-0 at half‑time.

Second Half Fightback and Final Flourish

The second half was a more even affair. Progres Niedercorn came out with renewed spirit and pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute when striker Souleymane Coulibaly reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box. Moments later, they scored again – a stunning long‑range effort from midfielder Mikael Sætnan that flew into the top corner. Suddenly, the margin was 4-2 and Metz looked slightly shaken.

However, Metz steadied the ship. Manager László Bölöni introduced fresh legs, and the visitors regained control. The fifth and final goal arrived in the 79th minute when substitute Pape Ndiaga Yade finished a counter‑attack with a low drive to restore the three‑goal cushion.

Key Takeaways

• Metz attacking depth: Mikautadze (2 goals) and Jallow (1 goal) were outstanding, showing why Metz are tipped for a promotion push.
• Progres character: To score twice after a 4-0 deficit shows mental strength. They will take positives from the second half response.
• Friendly context: Both sides used multiple substitutions, disrupting flow in the latter stages. Metz will be satisfied with the workout, while Progres gained valuable experience against a professional opponent.

The match attracted a decent crowd at Stade Jos Haupert, with Luxembourg football fans eager to see their domestic side test themselves against a former Ligue 1 club. For Metz, the 5-2 scoreline provides a confidence boost as they fine‑tune their tactics ahead of the Ligue 2 curtain‑raiser.