Rouen and Laval Draw 1-1 in Ligue 2/Ligue 3 Playoff First Leg

FC Rouen and Stade Lavallois played to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the Ligue 2/Ligue 3 promotion/relegation playoff in Normandy. The match ended level after both sides found the net once. The encounter took place in Normandy, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage before the final whistle. Both clubs exchanged goals, leaving the tie open for the second leg. The return leg is scheduled for Sunday at 17:00 in Laval, where the two teams will meet again to decide the outcome. The fixture will determine which club secures a place in Ligue 2 for the upcoming season. The winner of the two‑legged tie will compete in Ligue 2 next season, while the loser will be placed in Ligue 3. Ligue 3 is the newly formed professional division that replaces the former National league. Ligue 3 represents a restructured third tier aimed at strengthening the professional game in France. Promotion to Ligue 2 offers significant financial and sporting benefits for the successful club. Both sides will look to capitalize on the remaining 90 minutes in Laval, aware that the promotion battle is decided by the aggregate score. The outcome of Sunday’s match will set the stage for next season’s league composition.