Panichelli Brace Sinks Nantes, Deepens Crisis for Halilhodzic

Strasbourg defeated Nantes 3-2 in a dramatic Ligue 1 encounter on Saturday, March 22, 2026, thanks to a late match-winning performance from substitute Joaquín Panichelli. The result leaves Nantes in a precarious position, increasing the scrutiny on manager Vahid Halilhodzic.

Late Drama at La Beaujoire

Nantes took an early lead through Dehmaine Tabibou, but were pegged back by Maxi Oyedele before halftime. Matthis Abline put Nantes ahead again in the 53rd minute, but Strasbourg responded with a second-half comeback sparked by Panichelli’s introduction.

Panichelli equalized in the 78th minute and then secured the victory for Strasbourg with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Halilhodzic Expresses Disappointment

“There is a huge disappointment, we saw two teams. A team full of confidence with success and a team that must win but is afraid, we had two goals, it’s difficult, it’s a delicate moment, they played a solid match, we don’t deserve that tonight, the result is tough tonight. We score twice. It’s hard, it shows the lack of maturity of this team, we are afraid of winning, it shows a very fragile team, it’s hard to acquire out of this state, we worked a lot, I thought we were going to win after the second goal but unfortunately no, we played a team with a lot of quality, a lot of confidence, they have high class players, it’s a shame because the boys gave everything they could.”

Vahid Halilhodzic

Halilhodzic acknowledged the challenges he faces, stating he accepted a crazy challenge when he returned to the club.

Strasbourg’s Rising Star

Joaquín Panichelli, a 23-year-old Argentine forward, has quickly become a key player for Strasbourg since joining the club in 2025. He currently plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg and the Argentina national team. Panichelli began his career with Racing de Córdoba, and subsequently represented Belgrano and Atalaya de Córdoba before signing with River Plate in 2020. He moved to Spain in January 2023, joining Deportivo Alavés before a loan spell at CD Mirandés.

Nantes Face Crucial Run of Fixtures

Nantes currently sit 17th in Ligue 1. They will face Metz, Auxerre, and Brest in their next three matches, a series of games that will be critical to their survival hopes.

“It’s not over yet, maybe, we’ll try, in the next three matches again, we’ll give everything. It’s a great club, historic, I’m sad for FC Nantes and I’m going to do everything, even more, to keep hope until the end.”

Vahid Halilhodzic

FAQ

• Who scored the winning goal for Strasbourg? Joaquín Panichelli.
• What is Nantes’ current league position? 17th in Ligue 1.
• Where does Joaquín Panichelli play? RC Strasbourg Alsace and the Argentina national team.

The defeat for Nantes piles further pressure on Halilhodzic as they battle to avoid relegation from Ligue 1. Strasbourg, meanwhile, continue their push for a higher league finish.