FC Metz ended the 15th matchday of Ligue 2 BKT on a high note, securing a vital 2-0 win against Dunkerque.
The victory marked a return to form for the team, which has now gone three matches unbeaten in the French second tier, keeping their promotion hopes alive.
In the freezing cold of the region, Metz showed resilience, with goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja delivering a commanding performance in goal.
Kévin Guitoun, who started the match on the bench, made a late cameo appearance in the 87th minute.
It was during his brief stint on the pitch that Metz managed to capitalize and seal their victory, scoring two late goals.
The match against Dunkerque, a team also vying for promotion, was crucial for the Grenats, who were relegated from Ligue 1 this season.
The win pushed them into third place, overtaking Dunkerque in the standings and keeping their push for automatic promotion to the top flight alive.
Metz now sits just two points behind FC Lorient, the team in second place, and remains firmly in contention for a return to Ligue 1 by the end of the season.
Guitoun’s substitution was a key moment in the match, and although he did not score, his presence on the field helped tip the balance in Metz’s favor.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been a standout player for the club, but reports suggest he may be looking to leave in the upcoming winter transfer window, with interest from top-flight teams both in France and abroad.
FC Metz’s solid performance, led by the ever-reliable Oukidja, has rekindled optimism among fans, who now have their sights set on the club’s promotion aspirations.
The win over Dunkerque proves that, despite the challenges of relegation, Metz’s ambition to return to Ligue 1 is very much alive.
As the season progresses, the club will continue to rely on key players like Oukidja and Guitoun to ensure their success on the road to promotion.