Ligue 1 Round 35 Recap: Ajaccio Draws 1-1 with Clermont, Both Teams Under Increasing Relegation Threat

# Ligue 1 Round 35 Recap: Ajaccio Draws 1-1 with Clermont, Both Teams Under Increasing Relegation Threat

In a crucial match for both Ajaccio and Clermont, the two struggling Ligue 1 sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Neither team was able to capitalize on their chances, leaving them both firmly under threat of relegation as the season draws to a close.

## Ajaccio and Clermont Stumble to a Draw

The match, played at Stade François Blanche, saw both sides create chances but ultimately fail to break the deadlock. Ajaccio started the stronger, with forward Cyril Ajorque testing Clermont’s goalkeeper Laurent Bernaud with a powerful strike early on. However, the visitors struggled to create clear chances, and the first half ended goalless.

The second half was a tale of missed opportunities. Ajaccio came closest when a penalty was awarded after a handball in the box, but striker Gaëtan Laborde’s spot-kick was saved by Bernaud. Despite this, Ajaccio managed to equalize in the 78th minute when Laborde fired a low shot past Bernaud.

Clermont responded with a fine goal of their own, as Romain Gaspar netted a clinical finish to level the score. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the defenses held firm, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

## Both Teams Under Pressure

With the result leaving both Ajaccio and Clermont in the relegation zone, the match assumes even greater significance. Ajaccio, who now sit 18th, and Clermont, 19th, have little room for error in their remaining fixtures.

Ajaccio’s defensive issues were evident once again, with Clermont’s Gaspar and Wesley Sneijder causing constant problems. Similarly, Clermont’s backline failed to deal with Ajaccio’s counter-attacks, particularly in the second half.

## Key Takeaways

The draw highlights the fragile confidence of both sides as they approach the final stages of the season. Ajaccio and Clermont must now regroup quickly, as their next fixtures will be crucial in their battle to avoid relegation.

For Ajaccio, improving defensive organization and capitalizing on their counter-attack potential will be key. Meanwhile, Clermont needs to find consistency in attack, with Gaspar and Sneijder leading the charge.

As the league enters its final weeks, the race to avoid relegation is far from over, and both Ajaccio and Clermont have a lot of work to do to secure their Ligue 1 status.