# Unlucky Relegation for Ajaccio in Ligue 1 Final Round as they Lose 0-1 to Rennes
Ajaccio’s Ligue 1 season ended in heartbreaking fashion as they were relegated after a 0-1 loss to Rennes in the final round of the league. The result confirmed Ajaccio’s demotion to Ligue 2, a bitter conclusion to their campaign. The match, played at Stade François Bluffi, saw Ajaccio determined to secure a lifeline but ultimately unable to overcome a strong Rennes side.
Ajaccio had shown fleeting moments of promise throughout the season, particularly in their earlier games, but their attacking struggles proved costly. Rennes, on the other hand, took control from the first whistle, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. The decisive goal came in the 52nd minute when Rennes forward Benjamin Bourigeaud fired a powerful shot past Ajaccio goalkeeper Julien Pinot. Despite a valiant effort to equalize, Ajaccio’s defense held firm, and Rennes managed to hold out for the victory.
The loss left Ajaccio players and fans in shock. Midfielder Gaëtan Laborde, one of the club’s key assets, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s hard to swallow. We gave everything, but we just couldn’t find the back of the net.”Forward Cyriel Mbakam added, “We needed to win this game, and we let the fans down.” Ajaccio’s manager, Olivier Harenquin, acknowledged the club’s inability to convert chances, stating, “We had several good chances, but we lacked the finishing touch. Rennes were more clinical, and that’s the difference.”
The relegation marks the end of an era for Ajaccio, who had been competing at the top level for just three seasons. While the club will regroup in Ligue 2, the fans will undoubtedly miss the excitement of top-flight football. Ajaccio’s departure from Ligue 1 leaves a void, not just for the players but for the passionate supporter base that has stood by the team through thick and thin.
As Ajaccio prepares for life in Ligue 2, the focus will be on rebuilding and ensuring the club can return to the pinnacle of French football in the future. For now, the 2022-23 season will be remembered as a campaign that ended in heartbreak, but the legacy of Ajaccio’s resilience and spirit will live on.