RC Strasbourg Alsace secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Metz in a French Ligue 1 clash at the Stade de la Meinau on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The win provided a crucial three points in the battle for European qualification, with Strasbourg showing resilience to come from behind. Metz took a surprise early lead, putting the home side under immediate pressure. Strasbourg responded before halftime with a well-worked equalizer to level the match. The decisive moment came in the second half, as Strasbourg's pressure told with a headed goal from a corner to complete the turnaround. The match was a tense, physical affair typical of a derby, with both teams creating chances but Strasbourg proving more clinical in key moments. The result lifted Strasbourg into the top half of the Ligue 1 table, while Metz remained perilously close to the relegation zone, amplifying the significance of the three points for the Alsatian club.