Toulouse get house in order to secure safety with draw against Nantes
Just two weeks after thrashing Nantes 5-1 in the Coupe de France final, Toulouse’s recent attentions quickly focussed on sealing one more victory to confirm their Ligue 1 status for a second consecutive season.
Les Violets almost made the perfect start when Rasmus Nicolaisen was left unmarked from a corner, but his powerful header was tipped over the bar by Alban Lafont.
But Nantes, under the stewardship of new interim boss Pierre Aristouy, responded positively and looked to end their run of 11 Ligue 1 away matches without victory.
Ludovic Blas went close as he fired high and wide from six yards before Samuel Moutoussamy rattled the woodwork moments later with a powerful first-time strike. Les Canaris then struggled to build momentum however, and Toulouse ended the half on top, with Vincent Sierro and Ado Onaiwu testing Lafont from distance.
The half-time break did little to stem Toulouse’s incentive and Rafael Ratao nearly opened the scoring just after the break when his curling shot towards the top corner went just wide.
Ultimately, Les Violets remained in control, but had few clear-cut chances to break down Nantes’ resolute defence and Fares Chaibi’s deflected strike that Lafont gathered comfortably was one of few chances for the hosts to break the deadlock.
Toulouse will bemoan their lack of cutting edge in this contest, yet securing another Ligue 1 season with three games to spare, and a Coupe de France title, marks a strong campaign for Philippe Montanier and his side.
In contrast, Nantes still have work to do as Les Canaris are 17th and one point from safety, although keeping a clean sheet and a point will please Aristouy in his first game in charge.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alban Lafont (Nantes)