SAINT-OUEN, France (Interstat) — Red Star opened its Ligue 2 season with a 2-1 victory over Nancy on Friday afternoon, overcoming an early deficit with a pair of goals from defender Josué Escartin at Stade Bauer.

The result defied the pre-match projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw. Its ELO rating system gave the home side a 73% probability of victory, a forecast Red Star ultimately fulfilled despite a sluggish start.

Nancy, the visiting side, struck first against the run of play in the 26th minute. Midfielder Giovanni Haag provided the service, finding Escartin for a headed finish that put the visitors in front. The goal seemed to ignite a physical edge to the match, as three yellow cards were issued in the ensuing 14 minutes. Nancy’s substitute Elydjah Mendy was booked in the 31st minute, followed by Haag for Nancy in the 34th and Red Star defender Ryad Hachem in first-half stoppage time.

Red Star found its equalizer early in the second half, and it was Escartin again who delivered. In the 53rd minute, he completed his brace, this time connecting on a cross from Hachem to level the score at 1-1. The defender’s unexpected offensive outburst provided the crucial turning point in the match.

The home side continued to press and found the winner in the 84th minute. Mendy, who had entered the match as a substitute, made a positive impact by setting up midfielder Saîf-Eddine Khaoui for the decisive goal. A late yellow card to Red Star defender Matthieu Huard in the 88th minute did little to disrupt the home side’s momentum as they saw out the remaining minutes to secure three points.

The victory gives Red Star an ideal start to the French second-division campaign, moving its season record to one win and no losses, both in Ligue 2 and across all competitions. For Nancy, the defeat marks a disappointing beginning, leaving them with a record of no wins and one loss in all competitions.

The match was characterized by defensive contributions on the scoresheet, with four of the five listed goal involvements coming from defenders or a substitute. Escartin’s two-goal performance was the clear standout, driving the comeback for a Red Star side that showed resilience after conceding first. Nancy’s early promise faded after halftime, unable to find a second goal to reclaim the lead after Red Star’s swift second-half response.

The Friday afternoon fixture, played on Feb. 13, 2026, sets the tone for both clubs’ seasons. Red Star will look to build on the momentum of this comeback win, while Nancy seeks to regroup after letting an early advantage slip away on the road.