ROUEN, France (Interstat) — Rouen opened its National 1 campaign with a stunning 5-3 road victory over Berrich Chateauroux on Friday, defying pregame projections in a chaotic match at Stade Gaston Petit.

The visitors scored four times in a frantic eight-minute span before halftime to seize control. Junior Ndiaye led Rouen with two goals, while substitute Ismaïl Bouneb added a goal and an assist. Mehdi Beneddine, Corentin Jean and Issam Bouaoune scored for the hosts.

The result was a surprise after statistical models heavily favored a Chateauroux win. The match featured eight total goals and three yellow cards, plus a red card issued to Chateauroux’s Samba Dembélé in the 66th minute.