BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France (Interstat) — Clermont delivered a commanding away performance, defeating Boulogne 2-0 in a Ligue 2 match Friday at Stade de la Libération. The result snapped a three-game losing streak across all competitions for the visitors and handed the home side a deflating defeat in a match they were heavily favored to win.

The game’s narrative was defined by a decisive second-half substitution and a remarkably ill-disciplined finish. After a first half that saw few clear chances but two yellow cards shown to Boulogne defender Demba Thiam in the 19th minute, forcing an early reshuffle for the home side, Clermont manager Pascal Gastien introduced forward Famara Diédhiou after the break. The move proved instantly transformative.

Diédhiou, entering the fray as a substitute, scored all four of his team’s goals in a stunning individual display of finishing. His offensive outburst was fueled by a series of precise assists from his teammates. Fellow substitutes Théo Guivarch and Johan Gastien, along with starting defender Demba Thiam and forward Noah Fatar, each recorded two assists in the match. Defender Vincent Burlet also contributed two assists from the back line.

Clermont’s control of the match was rarely threatened, as Boulogne failed to convert any of its limited opportunities. The home team’s frustration became increasingly evident as the game progressed, culminating in a chaotic sequence of dismissals in the final minutes. Boulogne’s Abdellah Baallal received two yellow cards in the 28th minute, reducing his side to 10 men for the majority of the contest. The match completely unraveled late, with Clermont’s Johan Gastien and Noah Fatar each receiving two yellow cards in the 67th minute, and substitute Théo Guivarch suffering the same fate in the 79th minute. In second-half stoppage time, Clermont defender Vincent Burlet was also sent off after receiving two quick cautions.

The final score stood in stark contrast to pre-match projections. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw, and its ELO rating system gave Boulogne a 71.2% probability of victory. Instead, Clermont secured a vital three points on the road.

With the victory, Clermont improved its Ligue 2 record to six wins, nine losses and six draws this season. Boulogne, which had earned a 2-1 win at Pau in its previous outing, fell to five wins, 11 losses and four draws. The teams had played to a 1-1 draw in their earlier meeting this season on Dec. 5.

Clermont will look to build on this result when it hosts Dunkerque U19 in its next league fixture on Feb. 27. Boulogne, seeking to rebound from a disappointing home performance, will travel to face Grenoble Foot 38 on the same date.