A loss to end 2025

Context

After a solid draw at Fleury last weekend (0-0), Les Vertes welcome Dijon, currently eighth in Arkema Première Ligue, for their final outing of the calendar year. In front of a packed crowd at the Salif-Keita stadium for this Christmas-themed match, Les Vertes are determined to end the year on a high note.

Starting XI

With Faustine Bataillard suspended, Sébastien Joseph revises his game plan and fields a 4-3-3 formation in front of Alice Pinguet, with Romanelli, Bien-Aimé, Gajic, and Johnson at the back, Corboz, Cambot, and Ali Nadjim in midfield, and Lamontagne, Pierre-Louis, and Hornemann up front.

Game scenario

The match quickly moved from one goal to the other. Although Dijon had the first chance, Les Vertes responded quickly through Sofie Hornemann, whose powerful shot flew wide (6th minute), and then Nadjma Ali Nadjim, who took a chance from distance and forced the opposing goalkeeper to make a save under her crossbar (7th minute). The Saint-Étienne goalkeeper was called into action on her line by Fontaine, who received a cross (20th minute), then by a shot from the same striker from a tight angle (30th minute). Served by Sofie Hornemann, Amandine Pierre-Louis cut inside the box and struck a powerful shot, forcing the goalkeeper into a save (35th minute). The evenly matched first half ended goalless.

After the break, Sofie Hornemann created the first chance, but her pull-back into the box was cleared at the last minute before Rachel Corboz or Nadjma Ali Nadjim could get on the end of it (50'). At the other end, Declercq was on hand at the far post to open the scoring from a corner (0-1, 54'). The Greens' response did not immediately create any chances. Shots from Adèle Connesson (68th) and then Alexandria Lamontagne (74th) missed the target, and the final set pieces did not allow Les Vertes to equalize, despite Nadjma Ali Nadjim's header at the far post, which ended up in the side netting (90th). 

Match sheet

ASSE 0-1 Dijon

Day 11t - Arkema Première Ligue

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Stade Salif Keita

Half-time : 0-0

Goal : Declercq (54e) for Dijon.

Saint-Étienne : Pinguet, Romanelli, Bien-Aimé (then Tapia, 63e), Gajic, Johnson, Corboz (then Mansuy, 90e), Cambot, Ali Nadjim (then Fon, 90e), Lamontagne (then Istocki, 90e), Pierre-Louis (then Connesson, 63e), Hornemann. Coach : Sébastien Joseph.

Coming next

It's time for a short break for Les Vertes, who will return to training after a week off. Their next opponent is none other than OL Lyonnes in their French Cup debut on the weekend of January 10.