In a seven-goal thriller that provided plenty of entertainment for the neutral, Rodez Aveyron edged Bastia 5-3 in an International Club Friendly played at Stade Paul-Lignon on 10 July 2026. The match swung back and forth before the Ligue 2 hosts eventually pulled away in the second half thanks to a clinical attacking display.

Fast Start and Early Fireworks

Rodez came flying out of the blocks, scoring twice inside the opening ten minutes. Striker Lucas Buades slotted home from a tight angle in the 3rd minute, and midfielder Romain Cagnon doubled the lead with a powerful volley from the edge of the box. However, Bastia responded swiftly. Forward Migouel Alfarela pulled one back in the 14th minute with a composed finish after a swift counterattack.

The first half continued at a breathless pace. Rodez restored their two-goal cushion through a well-taken header by centre-back Joris Chougrani from a corner in the 27th minute. But Bastia refused to wilt. A mistake in the Rodez defence allowed Tony Arquin to reduce the deficit to 3-2 just before the half-hour mark.

Second-Half Goal Frenzy

Bastia came out for the second half with renewed energy and equalised in the 52nd minute. A slick passing move ended with Christophe Vincent firing low into the bottom corner, making it 3-3. At that stage, the momentum seemed to favour the Corsicans.

Rodez coach Didier Santini responded by introducing fresh legs in attack, and the changes paid immediate dividends. Winger Killian Corvaisier restored Rodez’s lead in the 67th minute, cutting in from the right and lashing the ball past Bastia goalkeeper Johny Placide. The knockout blow came in the 81st minute when substitute Adilson Bah pounced on a loose ball in the Bastia box to make it 5-3.

Key Players and Tactical Points

• Killian Corvaisier (Rodez) – Unplayable on the right flank, scoring one and assisting another.
• Lucas Buades (Rodez) – Constant threat, opening the scoring and creating chances.
• Migouel Alfarela (Bastia) – Bastia’s liveliest attacker with a goal and an assist.

Defensively, both sides struggled to maintain concentration, but Rodez’s ability to find the net each time Bastia equalised proved decisive. The high tempo was typical of late-stage preseason friendlies, where fitness and sharpness still vary.

Preseason Implications

For Rodez Aveyron, this result continues an encouraging preparation for the 2026–27 Ligue 2 season. The attacking fluidity shown by their frontline will give fans optimism. Bastia, on the other hand, will need to tighten up defensively after conceding five, but the fact that they managed to fight back twice shows commendable character. Both teams will likely face more structured tests in their remaining friendlies ahead of league kick-offs.

Attendance at Stade Paul-Lignon was reported at 1,850, with both sets of supporters treated to a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of football under sunny skies.