Brave, but defeated

Context

On the second day of the Arkema Première Ligue, ASSE is preparing to host the reigning champions, OL Lyonnes. After a disappointing start in the LFFP Cup, coach Sébastien Joseph is hoping to see a positive attitude and mentality on the pitch.

Starting XI

For this match, Sébastien Joseph made a few adjustments and fielded a lineup with five defenders to respond to the challenges posed by the opponent. Up front, Laura Hermann and captain Sarah Combot were tasked with feeding Sofie Hornemann.

Le premier XI des Vertes à la maison 💚#ASSEOL pic.twitter.com/bi8WkrXRUh

— ASSE Féminines 👸 (@ASSEFeminines) September 20, 2025

Game scenario

Les Vertes faced an opponent who controlled the game and gave them no respite when they lost possession. Alice Pinguet, who was called into action early on, remained alert, winning a duel away from her line and then in the air from a set piece. After winning the ball back in midfield, Sarah Cambot found space to play Sofie Hornemann in behind, but Endler, who was positioned high up the pitch, did her job. In the next move, Heaps teased the Saint-Étienne crossbar. For les Vertes' first collective presence on the edge of the Lyon area, it was Chloé Tapia who took the initiative to set an example by trying her luck without success. OL Lyon found the breakthrough at the end of the first half through Heaps, who headed home a free kick from Bacha (0-1, 42'). When play resumed, Sofie Hornemann had a clear chance, but Christiane Endler made a good save. OL held on to their lead before the break.

The second half did not end well for Saint-Étienne, despite changes made after an hour of play and a strong first 15 minutes in which ASSE looked promising and managed to equalize. After Rachel Corboz came on, Sébastien Joseph sent on Adèle Connesson to plug the gaps. A little later in the game, Welma Fon and Nikolina Istocki made their debut at the Salif-Keita stadium... but Lyon took the lead. As Brand tried her luck from distance, Alice Pinguet deflected the ball to Katoto, who didn't miss the opportunity (0-2, 77') to seal the victory for Lyon. Despite putting up a good fight, Les Vertes were ultimately defeated by OL. 

Coming next

All eyes are now on the capital, where ASSE will face Paris FC next weekend in the third round of the Arkema Première Ligue (Friday, 9 p.m.). Les Vertes will be back at home and in the Chaudron to host Les Marseillaises on Saturday, October 4, with kickoff at 5 p.m.

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Une publication partagée par AS Saint-Étienne féminines (@asse_feminines)