On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Le Havre AC hosted FC Metz at Stade Océane in a pivotal Ligue 1 match that ended in a 4-4 draw. The game, part of the 31st matchday of the 2025-2026 season, carried significant implications for both teams’ survival hopes in France’s top flight. Le Havre entered the match sitting 14th in the league table with 30 points, just one point clear of the relegation zone, while Metz languished in 18th place with 15 points, eight points adrift of safety.
The match began with early intensity as Metz struck first through Georges-Kévin N’Koudou in the 9th minute, only for Le Havre to respond quickly with a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri in the 13th minute. The home side then took the lead through a penalty converted by Franck Honorat in the 22nd minute before Metz equalized just before halftime via a goal from Lamine Gassama in the 44th minute, making it 2-2 at the break.
After the interval, Metz surged ahead with goals from Georges-Kévin N’Koudou again in the 47th minute and Lamine Gassama in the 55th minute to lead 4-2. However, Le Havre showed remarkable resilience, pulling one back through a goal from Emanuel Emegha in the 68th minute before completing a stunning comeback with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 79th minute and a late equalizer from Isaac Success in the 89th minute to secure a 4-4 draw.
The match featured several disciplinary moments, with Le Havre’s Romain Perraud receiving a yellow card in the 32nd minute and Metz’s Lamine Gassama cautioned in the 61st minute. Both teams made tactical substitutions throughout the second half as coaches sought to influence the outcome, with Le Havre introducing fresh attacking options while Metz looked to protect their lead before ultimately conceding the late equalizer.
Statistically, the teams were evenly matched in several key areas. Le Havre recorded 52% possession compared to Metz’s 48%, while both sides registered 8 shots on target. Metz completed 412 passes to Le Havre’s 389, and the home side won 58% of duels compared to Metz’s 42%. The match saw a total of 22 fouls committed, with each team recording 11.
For Le Havre, the point earned was crucial in their battle to avoid relegation, moving them to 31 points and maintaining their one-point cushion above the drop zone. Metz, meanwhile, remained in serious trouble despite the spirited performance, staying on 16 points and still eight points from safety with just seven matches remaining in the season.
The result extended Metz’s winless run to eight matches across all competitions, highlighting their ongoing struggles this season. Le Havre, conversely, went unbeaten in their last four league matches, gaining valuable momentum in their fight for survival.
Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures in their respective battles. Le Havre will travel to face Toulouse in their next match, while Metz host Strasbourg in what could prove to be a six-pointer in the relegation battle. With the season entering its final stretch, every point becomes increasingly vital for both clubs as they seek to secure their Ligue 1 status for next season.