Ligue 2, France’s second-tier football competition, often offers as much drama and excitement as its more illustrious counterpart, Ligue 1. In the 2024-2025 season, the battle for promotion to Ligue 1 is hotter than ever, with several teams locked in tight contests not only for automatic promotion but also for the valuable playoff spots. 

This article will provide a comprehensive look at the current standings, the teams leading the charge, the promotion race, relegation battles, and key players to watch. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a full understanding of how Ligue 2 has been unfolding this season.

Understanding Ligue 2: Structure and Format

Before delving into the current standings, let’s first look at how Ligue 2 operates. The league consists of 20 teams, each vying for the chance to either secure automatic promotion to Ligue 1 or earn a playoff spot. The competition runs from August to May, with each team playing 38 matches, facing every other team both home and away. 

The top two teams at the end of the regular season are automatically promoted to Ligue 1, while the team finishing in 3rd place enters a playoff against the 18th-placed Ligue 1 team for a chance at promotion. At the other end of the table, the bottom two teams are relegated to the National (third-tier) league, with the third-to-last team entering a relegation playoff to defend its spot in Ligue 2.

Current Ligue 2 Standings (as of April 2025)

As of the latest update in April 2025, the race in Ligue 2 is reaching its climax, with just a few months left of action. Let’s take a look at how the teams are performing.

Le Havre AC (1st Place)

Points: 68

Goals Scored: 58

Goals Conceded: 30

Top Scorer: Tino Kadewere

Le Havre AC is currently sitting at the top of the Ligue 2 standings, and they have been one of the standout teams this season. With a solid defense and a clinical attack, they’ve been able to pull away from their rivals and look set for a return to Ligue 1. The leadership of their coach and the influence of key players like Tino Kadewere in attack has been central to their success. The team’s balance and ability to grind out results have made them tough to beat.

FC Metz (2nd Place)

Points: 66

Goals Scored: 58

Goals Conceded: 32

Top Scorer: Amine Bassi

FC Metz is another team that has shown strong form this season. They have been a dominant force in Ligue 2 for several years and are well-positioned for promotion to the top flight. With a potent attacking lineup, spearheaded by Amine Bassi, Metz has been able to outscore many of their rivals. Their defense, though not as solid as Le Havre’s, has been reliable enough to secure important victories.

AS Saint-Étienne (3rd Place)

Points: 61

Goals Scored: 54

Goals Conceded: 35

Top Scorer: Jean-Philippe Krasso

AS Saint-Étienne is one of the most iconic clubs in French football, and they are making a strong push to return to Ligue 1 after a few seasons in Ligue 2. The team has been consistently competitive, with standout performances from Jean-Philippe Krasso in attack. Saint-Étienne is a club with a lot of history, and their supporters are eager to see the team climb back into the top tier of French football.

EA Guingamp (4th Place)

Points: 58

Goals Scored: 51

Goals Conceded: 38

Top Scorer: Julien Caradec

Guingamp has been one of the more consistent teams in the upper half of the table. Their form has been solid, and they are still in contention for a playoff spot. While their attack hasn’t been as potent as the top three teams, their defense has been reliable enough to earn points consistently. If they can find a way to score more goals, they could push for a top-three finish by the end of the season.

USL Dunkirk (5th Place)

Points: 55

Goals Scored: 50

Goals Conceded: 36

Top Scorer: Kamal Deen Sulemana

Dunkirk has surprised many this season, sitting comfortably in the top five. Their attacking style of play has been fun to watch, and they have pulled off some impressive victories. With Kamal Deen Sulemana leading the charge, Dunkirk is hoping to secure a playoff spot and potentially challenge for promotion. Their consistency will be key in maintaining their position in the league.

The Promotion Race: Can Le Havre and Metz Hold On?

With just a few months left in the season, the top two positions are still within reach for several teams. While Le Havre and Metz have built a strong lead, the teams chasing them are hungry for promotion.

The Automatic Promotion Race: Le Havre and FC Metz are currently the favorites for the two automatic promotion spots. Both clubs have been in superb form this season, and barring any major slip-ups, they are well on course for a return to Ligue 1. The battle for first place between these two teams will be an intriguing one to watch, as both have the quality to secure top-tier football for the 2025-2026 season.

Playoff Position and the Fight for 3rd Place

AS Saint-Étienne and EA Guingamp are currently fighting for that crucial 3rd place, which will give them a chance to compete in the promotion playoffs. The playoff format can often be unpredictable, with teams from Ligue 1’s 18th position entering the fray. As such, finishing 3rd is vital for any club wanting to avoid the uncertainty of a relegation battle in Ligue 1 and instead focus on promotion. Saint-Étienne has a slight advantage over Guingamp, but with several teams hot on their heels, including Dunkirk and others, the 3rd position is still very much up for grabs.

Relegation: Who Is Struggling at the Bottom?

While the promotion race is exciting, the relegation battle at the bottom of the table is equally intense. In Ligue 2, the teams that finish in the bottom two positions are relegated directly to the National division. The team finishing 18th enters a relegation playoff against the 3rd-placed team in National, with the loser dropping down to the third tier.

SC Bastia (18th Place)

Points: 24

Goals Scored: 26

Goals Conceded: 42

SC Bastia has found themselves in the relegation zone for much of the season. Their defense has been leaky, and they’ve struggled to score goals. With the final stretch of the season approaching, they will need to pick up crucial points to avoid automatic relegation and secure their place in the relegation playoff.

Chamois Niortais (19th Place)

Points: 20

Goals Scored: 18

Goals Conceded: 44

Chamois Niortais have had a tough season, and they currently find themselves second from the bottom. Their attack has been one of the weakest in Ligue 2, and their defensive record has been similarly poor. Unless there’s a drastic improvement in form, it looks like Niortais will be battling to stay in Ligue 2 for the rest of the season.

Quevilly-Rouen (20th Place)

Points: 18

Goals Scored: 17

Goals Conceded: 46

Quevilly-Rouen is currently at the bottom of the table and facing the real prospect of relegation to the National division. Their attack has been dire, and they’ve struggled to cope defensively with the higher-tier teams. They will need to turn things around quickly if they are to have any chance of survival.

Key Players to Watch in Ligue 2

While the teams battle it out at both ends of the table, some standout players are driving their clubs’ fortunes.

Tino Kadewere (Le Havre AC): Kadewere has been in brilliant form this season, contributing key goals and assists for Le Havre. His performances in attack have been central to the club’s success, and he is one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

Amine Bassi (FC Metz): Bassi has been a revelation for FC Metz this season. His creativity and vision have helped unlock defenses, while his ability to score goals from midfield makes him one of the most well-rounded players in Ligue 2.

Jean-Philippe Krasso (AS Saint-Étienne): Krasso has been Saint-Étienne’s talisman this season, scoring goals and leading the team’s charge for promotion. His movement and finishing ability make him a key player in the race for promotion.

FAQs

Are there any surprises in the current Ligue 2 standings? 

Each season brings surprises in terms of underdog teams rising to the top or traditional powerhouses struggling. Teams like Ajaccio, Brest, and Amiens have had notable seasons, surprising fans with unexpected performances. Checking current standings and news will give the latest on these surprises.

Who are the top goal scorers in Ligue 2 this season? 

Top goal scorers can change week by week. However, players like Amine Gouiri (OGC Nice, on loan to a Ligue 2 team) and Gaëtan Laborde are frequently among the top scorers. For up-to-date goal scorers, check the Ligue 2 website or sports apps that provide match stats.

Where can I watch Ligue 2 matches? 

Ligue 2 matches are typically broadcast on French channels such as L’Équipe (in France) and may also be available on international platforms depending on the region. Streaming services like Canal+ and beIN Sports offer coverage, and international broadcasters might provide match highlights or live streams.

How can I bet on Ligue 2 standings or matches? 

If you’re looking to bet on Ligue 2, be sure to use licensed betting platforms. You can bet on individual match results or futures like promotion or relegation positions. Betting odds will change as the season progresses, so follow the standings and teams carefully before placing your bets.

Is there a difference between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 standings? 

The main difference is the level of competition. Ligue 1 is the top division, while Ligue 2 is the second tier. The standings in each league determine who gets promoted to or relegated from the top flight. Ligue 2 has teams aiming for promotion, while Ligue 1 teams fight for the league title or European qualification.

In Summary

The 2024-2025 season of Ligue 2 is one of the most competitive in recent years. With Le Havre and FC Metz leading the charge for automatic promotion, and clubs like AS Saint-Étienne and EA Guingamp fighting for the playoff spot, the final months of the season promise to deliver drama and excitement.

On the flip side, the relegation battle is just as fierce, with teams like SC Bastia, Chamois Niortais, and Quevilly-Rouen scrambling for survival. The fate of these clubs will be determined in the final weeks of the season, making Ligue 2 a must-watch for any football fan. As we approach the final stretch of the campaign, one thing is certain: the race for promotion and the battle to stay up will make for an unforgettable conclusion to the season.

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