Dominant but less realistic, Les Vertes concede defeat

Context

With two league games in one week, Les Vertes are keeping busy at the start of 2026. Wednesday's trip to Martigues to face OM put them on the right track (1-0 victory), which should enable them to stay up. But today's opponents are fierce: FC Nantes. The surprise team of this Arkema Première Ligue season, Nantes are currently in second place in the league, behind OL Lyon.

Starting XI

Facing the runners-up in the championship, Sébastien Joseph opted for the same winning formation on Wednesday, a 3-5-2, and the same players, with the exception of Rachel Corboz in midfield, replacing Laura Hermann.

Game scenarion

At the Salif Keita stadium, the visitors created the first chance through Eloissaint, who failed to hit the target (3'). The Greens then took control of the game until the half-hour mark. Sofie Hornemann got her head to the ball, but her effort was too weak to trouble former Green goalkeeper Burns (9'). The Danish striker's clever shot a few seconds later grazed the Canadian goalkeeper's right post (10th minute). Playing aggressively and winning the ball back high up the pitch, Les Vertes put pressure on their opponents in the final third. Alexandria Lamontagne broke into the box, was fouled, but no penalty was given (28'). As the game became more physical, with four yellow cards handed out, Nantes managed to get their heads above water. After a good pass, Toloba found herself alone in front of Alice Pinguet, but the Verte goalkeeper won the duel (30'). She was powerless to prevent Toloba from beating the Saint-Étienne defense on the counterattack to give Calba the lead (0-1, 39').

After the restart, Les Vertes continued to press forward, and Alexandria Lamontagne's high recovery allowed Sofie Hornemann to get into an ideal position and get her shot on target, but it was too central to trouble Burns. Nantes defended well as a unit, preventing Les Vertes from finding a way through, and the minutes ticked by without either side managing a shot on goal. Once again, the Canadian steals the ball from the Yellow team and passes it to Sarah Cambot. The captain's curling shot ends up in the opposing goalkeeper's gloves.

Despite five minutes of stoppage time, Les Vertes were unable to equalize, thanks to the opposing goalkeeper, and may have some regrets.

Coming next

Les Vertes will not be playing next weekend; they will host Le Havre on January 31 at 3 p.m. at the Salif-Keita stadium.