Thionville Lusitanos vs Nancy

Simon Kalambayi (Thionville Lusitanos) — Player of the match. The young forward, recruited from Hoffenheim this summer, showed composure for his first goal and athleticism for the second. His double rescued a result that looked unlikely at half-time.

Fdaouch (Nancy) — Composed from the penalty spot and a constant threat down the left flank in the first half. His delivery and movement caused problems before he was substituted at half-time.

Bedfian (Thionville Lusitanos) — Made several important saves, including a one-on-one denial of Housni when the score was 1-0, keeping Thionville within reach.

The match was a tale of two halves. Nancy controlled the first 45 minutes with crisp combination play and clinical finishing, converting two of their clear chances. After the break, Thionville raised their intensity, and Nancy's disrupted rhythm — partly due to six changes at the interval — allowed the lower-league side to dominate territory and chances. Thionville's two goals came from a counter-attack and a set-piece, areas where the gap in division was less decisive.

A Bouhmidi goal for Thionville was disallowed for a foul in the 12th minute, and Tubio missed a gilt-edged one-on-one chance in the 21st minute, meaning the final scoreline could have been wider still.

For Nancy (Ligue 2, 2026-27), this was their third pre-season friendly under coach Oswald Tanchot. Speaking to L'Est Républicain, Tanchot said: "It's a very different match from the first two, with lots of duels, quite direct football — it's good, it allows us to be confronted with something else." Nancy will continue their preparation ahead of the Ligue 2 season kicking off in early August.

For Thionville Lusitanos, who won the National 2 title on 19 April and will play in the newly created Ligue 3 in 2026-27, this result against a side two divisions above them is a statement of intent. The club has earned four promotions in five years, and this spirited comeback suggests they will be competitive at the higher level.

Notable attendees included Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui, who grew up in Lorraine and stopped by the stadium for selfies with fans.

A genuinely entertaining pre-season derby that exposed Nancy's depth issues — dominant first XI, fragile second unit — while showcasing Thionville's resilience. Kalambayi looks like a shrewd signing. Both managers will have learned more from this 90 minutes than from any one-sided friendly.

Nancy's next pre-season fixture is TBC; Thionville continue their preparation ahead of the Ligue 3 season.