RODEZ, France (Interstat) — In a frenetic finish that defied pregame projections, Rodez and Le Mans FC opened their Ligue 2 campaigns with a 1-1 draw Friday afternoon at Stade Paul Lignon.

The match, which for over 80 minutes appeared destined for a scoreless conclusion, exploded with two goals in a four-minute span before ending in chaos with three stoppage-time yellow cards. The result left both clubs with identical records to start the French second-division season.

Interstat’s pregame metrics heavily favored the home side, giving Rodez an 87.40 percent probability to win and projecting a 2-1 victory. Those forecasts were rendered obsolete by a dramatic late sequence that saw each team find the net.

Le Mans FC, the visiting side, struck first against the run of play in the 84th minute. The breakthrough came from forward Ibrahima Baldé, who capitalized on a chance to give his team a surprising late lead. The assist on the opening goal was credited to substitute Samuel Yohou.

Rodez’s response was swift and decisive. Just four minutes later, in the 88th minute, substitute Théo Eyoum leveled the score. Eyoum, who entered the match off the bench, finished a play set up by fellow substitute Nicolas Kocik, ensuring the hosts would salvage a point from the contest.

The frantic closing minutes extended into a lengthy stoppage period, which culminated in a flurry of disciplinary action in the seventh added minute. Three players were shown yellow cards simultaneously: Le Mans FC’s goal provider, Samuel Yohou, Rodez’s assist man, Nicolas Kocik, and Rodez forward Taïryk Arconte, who was also credited with an assist on the night. The incident underscored the tense and physical conclusion to the match.

The draw sets an early tone for both clubs in the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season. Each team now holds a record of 0 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw, both in league play and across all competitions. For Le Mans FC, securing a point on the road against a heavily favored opponent will be viewed as a positive start. For Rodez, the result represents a missed opportunity to begin the season with a victory at home, despite the late rally to avoid defeat.

The match highlighted the impact of substitutions, with all four direct goal contributions — two goals and two assists — coming from players who began the game on the bench. The efficiency of both attacks in the critical final stages contrasted sharply with the overall lack of scoring through the first 83 minutes.

Both teams will look to build on the result and secure their first win of the season in their upcoming fixtures. The shared point keeps them level in the early league table as the long campaign gets underway.