Nantes Atlantique, the second most successful side in French football history and the last league champions of France before Lyon's current dynasty, narrowly avoided being relegated for the first time in their history in the final weekend of the French Ligue 1 season. A 1-0 over fellow relegation-threatened Metz on Saturday handed les canaries a lifeline. Even then, results had to go their way, and they did. Caen, after an exciting late push in the season, surprisingly fell 3-2 to already-relegated Istres, while Corsican club Bastia lost 2-0 to Strasbourg, ensuring those two would be in Ligue 2, while Nantes, AC Ajaccio, Bordeaux and even the beaten Metz did just enough to escape the drop. French crowds are not particularly known for their loudness but the roar that greeted the final minutes at Nantes' La Beaujoire stadium was something to hear. A West Brom-like euphoric pitch invasion followed the final whistle as once again we saw supporters celebrating a 17th place finish like it was a long-sough-after league title. That is the love and power of football.
Departments
In every
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Inside
the Touchline
Kicking off each
issue, we cover everything from the weird and wacky to the latest
developments affecting the game we love.
Sideline
Chatter
Gadgets, games,
gear and gossip all collide in this section, bringing you up to
date with the modern soccer lifestyle.
World's
Game
News and views from
a passionate perspective on the global game; Asia, Europe, Africa
and both Americas. It's all in play.
Mark's
Mayhem
A place where absolutely
nothing is off-limits and only the strong survive.
Stoppage
Time
A parting shot that sometimes
shocks and always delights. One last reminder to look out for us
next time.
