Dunkerque is on the verge of making history, one win away from potentially securing a spot in Ligue 1. The team, managed by Luís Castro, sealed their progress with a 1-0 win over Guingamp at home in the first leg of the Ligue 2 playoffs. Maxence Rivera scored the decisive goal just before halftime.
Next Stop: Metz
Their next challenge is Metz, and they’ll be playing away from home. If they overcome Metz, they’ll face the 16th-placed Ligue 1 team in a two-legged playoff. The dates for this matchup are still uncertain due to the ongoing French Cup final between Reims and PSG.
Reims’ current 14th position in the league, just two points ahead of 16th-placed Le Havre, adds to the uncertainty. Regardless, the Ligue 2 representative will have to play their second leg on the road.
Dunkerque’s journey from the fourth tier just two seasons ago to competing for a Ligue 1 spot is remarkable. They’ve also made it to the French Cup semifinals, where they were edged out 2-4 by PSG.