Laval vs Concarneau

Laval started the sharper of the two sides, pressing aggressively from the first whistle. The Ligue 2 visitors took the lead inside the opening minutes, catching Concarneau cold with an early goal that put them 1-0 up practically from kick-off.

But Concarneau responded well. The lively Macon, a former FC Lorient player, caused problems with his dribbling and direct running, winning a penalty that Stan Janno converted to level the score at 1-1. It was Janno's second goal in two pre-season matches, scored in front of his parents in the area where he grew up.

The score remained 1-1 at half-time.

Concarneau took control in the second half. Charles Divialle-Corbiere swept home from a Loïc Goujon free-kick delivery to put the Ligue 3 side ahead 2-1. The goal proved decisive as Concarneau held on to secure the win.

Concarneau's ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter proved decisive. As coach Stéphane Moulin noted after the match, "We didn't have possession of the ball, but we felt that every time we won it back, we could hurt them." The team's compact defensive shape and quick transitions — particularly through Macon and new signing Aly Sidibé before his early exit — turned the tide after Laval's commanding start.

• Stan Janno (Concarneau): The midfielder scored his second goal in two pre-season games, converting a cool penalty to bring his side level. His growing influence in the Concarneau midfield was evident.
• Charles Divialle-Corbiere (Concarneau): Took his goal well from a set-piece situation, showing sharp movement to meet Goujon's free-kick delivery.
• Loïc Goujon (Concarneau): The veteran midfielder's set-piece delivery created the winning goal, continuing his role as the team's creative hub.
• Aly Sidibé (Concarneau): The new signing from Troyes impressed on the left flank before being forced off after 30 minutes with gastric issues. His pace and directness had already caused Laval problems.

This was a match defined by intensity and transition rather than pure control. Laval's high press dominated the opening exchanges, but Concarneau's efficiency in the final third — two goals from limited controlled possession — told the story. The match was more competitive than a typical friendly, described by observers as closer to a competitive fixture than a pre-season run-out, particularly in the physicality of the duels.

For Concarneau, this second consecutive victory against a Ligue 2 opponent (following the 1-0 win over Guingamp) builds real momentum ahead of the new Ligue 3 season. The squad has now faced two Ligue 1 sides (Brest and Lorient — drawing one, losing one) and two Ligue 2 sides (Guingamp and Laval — winning both), providing a strong test across different levels.

"It sums up quite well the state of mind and energy the players put into their work," said Moulin. "They are lads who have the desire, who are generous, and who never give up, even in friendlies. Against Laval it was very coherent, and that's what matters to me."

Laval coach David Vignes took positives despite the defeat, calling the first half "our best half since the start" of pre-season.

Concarneau continue their pre-season with two more friendlies: against Lorient B (National 1) on Tuesday 28 July in Carhaix, followed by GSI Pontivy on 31 July.

A meaningful pre-season test that Concarneau passed with flying colours. Falling behind early to a Ligue 2 side and then rallying to win shows the resilience Moulin is building. The quick transitions and set-piece threat are already looking sharp, while Laval will want to convert their promising first-half pressure into a longer-lasting performance.