# Relegation Zone Update: Nice Beat Ajaccio, Boudaoui and Ramsey Move Away from Relegation
The relegation battle in French football remains intense as the season approaches its climax. With just a handful of matches left, the stakes are higher than ever, and each point could mean the difference between survival and relegation.
### Nice Edge Past Ajaccio in Crucial Matchup
In a thrilling encounter, Nice secured a vital 2-1 win over Ajaccio, moving them to 11th place in Ligue 1. Goals from Gaëtan Laborde and Khéphren Thuram proved decisive, while Ajaccio’s early opener from Terem Moffi was not enough to deny Nice their much-needed victory. This result keeps Ajaccio in 17th place, but their survival hopes are now hanging by a thread. Both teams, however, remain deeply involved in the relegation race, with Ajaccio’s next match against Angers loomings as a potential season-saver.
### Boudaoui and Ramsey: The Big Moves That Shape Relegation Contenders
The departure of key players from relegation-threatened sides has added further drama to the race. Montpellier’s star striker Stefan Boudaoui has been linked with a move to Atalanta, while Arsenal’s young midfielder Albert Ramsey is set to join Marseille. Both players have been instrumental in their current teams’ survival bids, and their exits have left a significant gap to fill.
Montpellier, currently 15th, will struggle to replace Boudaoui, who has scored 11 goals this season. Similarly, Marseille, who are 13th, will need to rely on their squad depth to compensate for Ramsey’s creativity and energy. Both teams are now under increased pressure to secure results in their remaining matches.
### Implications for the Relegation Race
The departure of Boudaoui and Ramsey could have a ripple effect on the relegation battle. While their new teams may benefit from their signings, their former clubs are left to pick up the pieces. Montpellier and Marseille are now among the most vulnerable sides in the league, with their survival chances resting on the performance of their remaining players.
Meanwhile, Nice’s victory over Ajaccio and the departures of key players elsewhere have shifted the balance of power in the relegation zone. Teams like Reims, who sit just above the relegation zone in 12th place, will need to be at their best to avoid being caught by the chasing pack.
### Conclusion: The Relegation Battle Heats Up
As the season nears its end, the relegation zone remains a rollercoaster of drama. With key players moving to new teams and crucial matches on the horizon, the battle to avoid relegation is far from over. Teams need to rally their forces and deliver performances that will keep them in Ligue 1 next season. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2022-23 campaign!