CONCARNEAU, France (Interstat) — Valenciennes opened its National 1 season with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Concarneau on Friday afternoon, overcoming a late deficit with two goals in the final seven minutes at Stade Guy Piriou.

The match, a clash between a recently relegated side and a club with promotion ambitions, defied pregame projections. Statistical models had heavily favored the home side, but Valenciennes’ resilience secured a winning start.

The first half was a tense, physical affair with few clear chances. Valenciennes midfielder Loïc Goujon received the game’s first booking in the 30th minute for a reckless challenge, setting a combative tone. The deadlock was finally broken just before the hour mark. In the 56th minute, Valenciennes’ Flavio Da Silva found space at the edge of the area and fired a precise, low shot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal was a reward for Valenciennes’ growing control of the midfield battle.

Concarneau, however, refused to fade in front of its home supporters. As the match entered its final stages, the home side’s pressure intensified. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Loïck Landré equalized, sending a surge of energy through the stadium and seemingly setting the stage for a share of the points.

The parity was shockingly short-lived. Just four minutes later, in the 87th minute, Valenciennes delivered a decisive blow. Stredair Appuah restored his team’s lead, capitalizing on what appeared to be a stunned Concarneau defense to make it 2-1. The rapid turnaround silenced the home crowd and put Valenciennes back in command.

Concarneau’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time as Mabrouk Rouai was shown a yellow card in the 91st minute, but the home side could not muster another response. The final whistle confirmed a perfect start to the campaign for Valenciennes and a disappointing opening afternoon for Concarneau.

With the result, Valenciennes begins its National 1 season with a record of one win and no losses, aiming for an immediate return to Ligue 2. Concarneau starts its campaign with a record of no wins and one loss, an early setback in its quest to climb the French football pyramid. The match was the season opener for both clubs in the third-tier competition.