FC Metz became the third team promoted to Ligue 1 this season despite a furious late push from Le Havre.
On the final day of the season on Friday, Metz lost 1-0 at Lens while Le Havre, managed by former United States coach Bob Bradley, defeated Bourg-Peronnas 5-0.
Both Metz and Le Havre finished level on 65 points with a plus-15 goal difference, and Metz were awarded third place and promotion because of their superior goals scored -- 54 to Le Havre's 52.
One more goal would have seen Le Havre go through in their place, and they very nearly had it.
After Aliou Dembele was sent off in the 34th minute, Bradley's team pushed forward and scored their fifth by the 82nd minute.
They hit the woodwork four times and keeper Fabien Farnolle pushed forward and had a header saved in stoppage time, but the goal would not come.
Le Havre were fourth when Bradley took over the club on Nov. 10. Under his guidance they won 12, drew six and lost six.
Metz return to the top flight after one year in the second division. They will join Nancy and Dijon as the new clubs in Ligue 1 in 2016-17.