**Nantes Defeat Montpellier 1-0, Muani's Goal Closes Winless Run**
**Subheadline:** Khéphren Thuram Muani’s late winner snaps Nantes’ five-match losing streak as the reigning champions secure a crucial victory.
In a hard-fought Ligue 1 encounter, Nantes emerged victorious over Montpellier with a single goal to their credit, thanks to the heroics of Khéphren Thuram Muani. The young striker scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute, capping off a thrilling 1-0 win at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday. This victory ends Nantes’ five-match winless streak and provides a much-needed boost in their title defense campaign.
The match was not without its drama, as both teams struggled to break the deadlock in the first half. Nantes, despite their recent struggles, controlled possession and created several chances, but their finishing was lackluster. Montpellier, known for their solid defensive record, held firm and looked to counter-attack. The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to capitalize on their opportunities.
The second half saw Nantes up the intensity, and their efforts paid off in the 74th minute. Muani, who has been a bright spark for the club this season, received a perfect pass from Gaëtan Laborde and slotted home the winning goal. The goal sent the Stade de la Beaujoire into raptures, as Nantes’ fans celebrated a much-needed victory.
Despite the late goal, Montpellier pushed hard for an equalizer, throwing everything into the final stages of the match. However, Nantes’ defense held firm, and the visitors couldn’t find a way through. The final whistle blew with Nantes celebrating their first win in five games, a crucial result for their campaign.
Head coach Antoine Flairat praised his players’ resilience after the match, stating, “This victory is a great boost for our confidence. We’ve been working hard in training, and this result shows that we can compete with the best teams in the league.” Muani also expressed his pride, saying, “Scoring for Nantes is always special. This win is for the fans and the whole team.”
For Montpellier, the defeat extends their recent struggles, but they remain in a strong position in the table. Nantes, however, will take confidence from this result as they aim to build momentum for the rest of the season.
This win not only ends Nantes’ winless run but also reignites their title defense hopes. With Muani in fine form and the team showing renewed spirit, Nantes could yet again be a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1.