Failed return

Context

After seven weeks of preparation, Les Vertes return to the Arkema Première Ligue and face FC Nantes at the Stade Marcel-Saupin. This is an important first match for Sébastien Joseph's players, who are up against a direct rival in the championship.

Starting XI

Alice Pinguet will be defending the goal for this opening game. In front of her, Marion Romanelli takes her place on the right side, accompanied by Ina Kristoffersen and Aleksandra Gajić in the center of defense. On the left side, Chloé Tapia watches over the wing. As in the last warm-up match against Montpellier, Faustine Bataillard, Rachel Corboz, and Sarah Cambot lead the midfield. On the wings, Adèle Connesson and Welma Fon bring their speed and power, while Sofie Hornemann is lined up at the forefront of Saint-Étienne's attack.

Game scenario

Les Vertes got off to the best possible start. After winning the ball on the right wing, Rachel Corboz found herself unmarked, advanced towards the Nantes box and fired in a left-footed shot. The new Saint-Étienne signing beat the Canaries' goalkeeper (0-1, 4'). Nantes' first attempt failed to trouble Alice Pinguet, who made a perfect save from the opposing striker's header. Les Vertes came close to doubling their lead when Rachel Corboz found Welma Fon in the penalty area. Unfortunately, the Belgian's shot was blocked by a Nantes defender (24'). Nantes pushed forward, and it eventually paid off. From a corner, Faustine Bataillard unintentionally deflected the ball onto Cosme, who pushed it into the back of the net (1-1, 29'). Les Vertes reacted immediately. Adèle Connesson initiated an attack along the corner line, beating two opponents, but was denied by former Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Burns (37'). On the next play, Nantes took the lead: at the edge of the box, Khelifi lined up her shot and beat Alice Pinguet (2-1, 37'). At the restart, Sofie Hornemann almost gave back the lead to Les Vertes, but her shot hit the crossbar (38'). Saint-Étienne went into the break a goal down, despite numerous chances.

In the second half, Les Vertes went back on the attack. Welma Fon broke down the right wing and crossed the ball in. It was deflected by an opposing defender's head, but fell right at the feet of our Danish striker. Sofie Hornemann attempted a half-volley, which was saved by the goalkeeper (50'). The rest of the game was more evenly matched, with both teams trading blows without managing to gain the upper hand. In a notable incident, Nadjma Ali Nadjim was shown a red card after an altercation with Cosme (70'). The Ligériennes ended the game with ten players. Sébastien Joseph's players were unable to get back into the game and conceded their first defeat of the season.

Next

The next fixture will take Les Vertes to the Côte d'Azur for their first LFFP Cup match against OGC Nice. Among a group of four teams, Les Vertes will also face Thonon Évian GGFC, whom they met during their preseason, and Grenoble Foot 38. This is an equally important match for Saint-Étienne, who must finish first in their group in order to advance to the quarterfinals of this brand-new competition.