Red Star FC 93 edged out Ligue 2 side Stade Lavallois MFC 2-1 in a hard-fought pre-season friendly at the Stade Bauer on July 10, 2026. The match, part of the International Club Friendly schedule, saw the National side hold their own against higher-division opposition, underpinning a promising summer preparation campaign.

Match Overview

Neither side entered with full intensity, as is typical for mid-July preparations, but the contest offered real competitive edge from the first whistle. Lavallois, fresh off a solid Ligue 2 campaign, dominated early possession. However, Red Star’s direct counter-attacking style caused problems. The home side took the lead midway through the first half when veteran forward Mehdi Baaloudj latched onto a through ball and slotted past a helpless Laval goalkeeper.

Key Moments & Tactical Story

• 17th minute: Red Star’s high press forces a defensive error. Baaloudj intercepts and scores with the outside of his foot to make it 1-0.
• 39th minute: Laval equalise through a set-piece header from Victor Eloi, rising unmarked from a corner.
• 68th minute: Red Star’s Adrien Monfray restores the lead with a composed finish after a swift transition, beating the offside trap.

Tactically, Red Star’s manager Habib Beye set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, ceding possession but springing traps on turnovers. Laval, under new coach Olivier Frapolli, struggled to break down the low block despite dominating territory. The friendly setting allowed both benches to rotate freely, with five substitutions each across the three periods played.

Standout Players

Beyond Baaloudj’s goal, Red Star’s midfield linchpin Damien Durand covered impressive ground and dictated the tempo when his side had the ball. For Laval, left-back William Louchet offered overlapping width and was a constant threat until substituted. The match’s intensity pleased both coaching staffs, providing valuable fitness minutes ahead of the 2026‑27 season.

Season Context & Implications

For Red Star FC 93 – a storied club that last featured in Ligue 2 in 2019 – this friendly represents a chance to build cohesion before the Championnat National campaign. Beating a solid Ligue 2 opponent signals that Beye’s side may be ready to push for promotion. Laval, meanwhile, will use the defeat as a learning tool, particularly on defending transitions. The friendly also served as a final tune‑up before both clubs’ competitive starts later in July.

Attendance at the Stade Bauer was announced at around 3,800, a solid mid‑winter figure for a pre‑season fixture, reflecting strong local support for the Parisian club. The International Club Friendly series continues to offer useful cross‑division tests, and this fixture was no exception.