Le Mans vs Brest

Le Mans kicked off their return to Ligue 1 with a spirited 2-2 draw against Brest at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, twice hauling themselves level in an entertaining opening-day thriller. Romain Del Castillo put Brest ahead in the 31st minute, but Dame Gueye leveled for Le Mans right before the break (45+2'). Louis Mafouta put the hosts back in front just after the hour (55'), only for Kamory Doumbia to restore parity for Brest seven minutes later. Ludovic Ajorque and Alexandre Lauray were both booked, but the game stayed at 11 vs 11. Both sides squandered a lead - Brest after Del Castillo's opener, Le Mans after Mafouta's - so a share of the points feels fair. It's an encouraging start for newly promoted Le Mans, while Brest, who slipped three places last season, will want more composure in front of goal.