Reigning champions Nantes improve their prospects with victory over Ajaccio in Ligue 1 Round 34

### Reigning Champions Nantes Secure Victory Over Ajaccio

Nantes, the reigning French football champions, continued their impressive season by securing a vital 2-0 win over Ajaccio in Ligue 1 Round 34 on Sunday afternoon. The result was a significant boost for the team as they move closer to solidifying their position at the top of the league standings.

#### Key Highlights of the Match:

1. **Early Goals**: In the opening minutes, Nantes struck first with a well-taken goal from midfielder Thomas Meunier. His clinical finish put Nantes ahead and set the tone for the match.

2. **Ajaccio's Resilience**: Despite being behind, Ajaccio did not give up easily. They pressed hard and eventually drew close through substitute Antoine Griezmann, who converted a penalty kick after being fouled inside the box.

3. **Nantes' Strong Defense**: Throughout the game, Nantes maintained their disciplined defense, preventing any further goals from coming their way. Their backline, featuring key players like Mathieu Valbuena and Benjamin Pavard, played a crucial role in keeping Ajaccio at bay.

4. **Performance of Key Players**:

- **Thomas Meunier**: Continued his excellent form, scoring twice and providing assists throughout the match.

- **Mathieu Valbuena**: Displayed solid defensive skills and contributed to Nantes' defensive stability.

- **Benjamin Pavard**: A standout performer, showing both physical prowess and composure in the final third.

5. **Impact on Standings**: With this victory, Nantes improved their league standing to 7th place, maintaining their grip on the title race. They now have 49 points, which is still a significant lead over second-place Lyon.

#### Managerial Commentary:

Nantes manager Laurent Blanc praised his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the resilience and determination shown by his side. He noted that while the defeat against Monaco earlier in the season had been disappointing, the recent results have been encouraging.

“Today’s win is a testament to our team’s spirit and work ethic. We showed that we can bounce back quickly when things don’t go our way, and I’m proud of how everyone came together to secure this important victory,” Blanc said.

#### Next Steps:

With Nantes looking to maintain their momentum, the team will focus on strengthening their defense and improving their attacking play. They face a tough week, starting with a home match against Lille on Tuesday night.

The upcoming fixtures also present opportunities for Nantes to extend their unbeaten run in the league, potentially moving them closer to the top spot. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if Nantes can continue their strong form and defend their championship status.

In conclusion, Nantes’ victory over Ajaccio was a crucial step forward in their quest for a fifth consecutive league title. The team’s resilience and tactical discipline were evident throughout the match, and they will look to build upon this success as they navigate the rest of the season.