**Clermont Beats Strasbourg in Ligue 1, Retaining Relegation Hope**

In the thrilling conclusion to the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying round clash at Stade de Gerland, Clermont Auvergne secured a crucial victory over Strasbourg, securing their place in the competition for the second consecutive year.

The match was played on Tuesday, June 22, with both teams fighting for survival in Ligue 1 and qualification for the Champions League. Despite being down 2-0 after the first half, Clermont managed to come back strong and eventually扳平比分。

The opening goal came from Clément Chavane, who scored in the 46th minute, leveling the scoreline. However, Strasbourg quickly responded with goals from Nicolas Gourdon and Thomas Lemieux, putting them back in front by halftime.

Despite the early deficit, Clermont's resilience shone through as they continued to press and create chances throughout the second half. In the 77th minute, Pierre-Michel Lefaucheux scored a stunning header from close range to tie the game.

The final whistle brought a tense moment as both teams were tied, but Clermont held on to secure the win. The result leaves Clermont with a two-point lead over Strasbourg in the table, which is crucial given their current position at 15th place.

This victory not only lifts Clermont's spirits but also provides renewed hope for their season. With just eight games remaining in the league, the club has a chance to climb out of the relegation zone if they continue to perform well.

Strasbourg, on the other hand, will need to improve significantly if they want to avoid dropping down to the lower divisions. The team will have to find ways to break away from their struggles and keep up with the pace of the league.

For now, it seems that Clermont have taken the momentum into the next round, where they will face another challenging opponent. As they look ahead, the team knows that every point counts, and they will be determined to make the most of this opportunity to stay competitive in Ligue 1 and potentially qualify for the Champions League.

With the upcoming matches against Montpellier and Lyon, Clermont will have to maintain their high level of performance to ensure they can retain their place in the top half of the league and continue their journey towards European football.