### Ligue 1 Round 37 Recap: Nantes Edge Out Strasbourg 1-0

The Ligue 1 season reached its halfway mark on Sunday as Nantes secured their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Strasbourg. This result not only lifted Nantes' spirits but also boosted their relegation hopes, which were looking precarious after several close losses.

#### Match Highlights:

- **Strasbourg's Early Push**: The hosts started strongly and dominated possession throughout the first half. Their pressing style put pressure on Nantes' defense, forcing several chances.

- **Nantes' Resilience**: Despite being outplayed in the early stages, Nantes showed remarkable resilience. They counterattacked frequently and managed to create opportunities for themselves through crosses and free-kicks.

- **Golden Chance Missed**: In the 55th minute, Nantes had a golden opportunity to take the lead when their forward was sent clear by a corner kick. However, his shot was saved by Strasbourg goalkeeper David Luiz, keeping the game tied at zero.

- **Nantes' Second Half Comeback**: The second half saw Nantes finally break the deadlock. In the 84th minute, substitute forward Nicolas Massamba scored from a tight angle, converting a penalty kick. The goal came after a series of set pieces that Strasbourg couldn't capitalize on.

- **Strasbourg's Final Standoff**: With minutes ticking down, Strasbourg tried to rally and score late in the match. However, their efforts were thwarted by Nantes' defensive solidity, who maintained their position to secure the win.

#### Impact on Relegation Situations:

- **Nantes' Rise**: With this victory, Nantes moved up to 12th place in the table, improving their chances of avoiding relegation. They now have 26 points, four more than Strasbourg, who remain in 13th place with 22 points.

- **Strasbourg's Downturn**: Strasbourg's loss leaves them behind in the race for survival, with their 22 points leaving them just one point ahead of Bordeaux. The team faces a tough remaining schedule, including matches against leaders like Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon.

#### Managerial Comments:

Nantes coach Didier Deschamps praised his players for their resilience and hard work. "It's been a challenging season so far, but our team has shown great character today," he said. "We're moving in the right direction and will continue to fight until the end."

Strasbourg manager Christian Scharf acknowledged the setback but emphasized their commitment to the league. "We know it's difficult, but we'll keep pushing forward. We need to improve defensively and find ways to score goals if we want to stay in the top half of the table."

#### Next Steps:

With this win, Nantes will look to maintain their momentum and continue building on their recent form. The club will face tough challenges in upcoming games, including their trip to Paris St-Germain next weekend. Meanwhile, Strasbourg must focus on finding solutions to their defensive issues if they hope to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

This match sets the stage for a tense finish to the season, with both teams vying for a better finish in Ligue 1.