Red Star and Sochaux played out a 0:0 draw in Ligue 2's second round at the Stade de Paris on Thursday evening. The result keeps both sides in the middle of the table, with Red Star remaining sixth on eight points and Sochaux sitting ninth on six points after five matches each.
Red Star controlled much of the game but struggled to break down Sochaux's defensive shape. The hosts dominated possession at 67 per cent and registered 146 attacks compared to Sochaux's 53, yet created only one big chance while the visitors managed to create one themselves. Red Star had 12 corners and 14 shots on target, but five of those shots were on target — a conversion rate that left them with nothing to show.
The match became more physical in the second half. Matthieu Huard received a yellow card in the sixtieth minute, followed by Elyaz Zidane five minutes later. Both players were on the pitch for the full duration, and neither was replaced despite the bookings. Sochaux's manager made changes to match the tempo, bringing on Victor Lobry in the twenty-seventh minute and Benjamin Gomel at half-time.
Red Star's substitutions came in waves. S. Khaoui was replaced in the sixty-third minute, while Islamdin Halifa and K. Cisse came off together in the seventy-second. M. Clairicia, D. Tavares and L. Nomel were withdrawn in the final twenty minutes, suggesting a cautious approach to preserving the point.
Sochaux's defensive approach paid dividends. They made 42 clearances and won 13 tackles, while their goalkeeper made five saves. The visitors had only 33 per cent possession but kept Red Star at bay for most of the match. Their one big chance created came from a moment of opportunity, though it was not converted.
The draw extends Sochaux's recent struggles. They have lost four of their last five matches, with only a 1:1 draw against Auxerre providing any relief. Red Star's form has been more inconsistent — they beat Nantes 1:0 on their last outing but also lost 3:1 to Amiens and 2:1 to Antwerp in their previous five games.
What the result means is simple: neither side has gained ground. Red Star continue to dominate possession without finding the breakthrough, while Sochaux remain resilient in defence but lack the cutting edge in attack. The table tells the story — eight points versus six, but the gap between them remains narrow.