Les Vertes lose against Marseille

Context

After facing a difficult schedule that saw them take on two European teams, Les Vertes are still searching for their first points in the Arkema Première Ligue. This Saturday, they face a team in a similar situation: Olympique de Marseille.

Starting XI

Sébastien Joseph has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Déborah Bien-Aimé, Faustine Bataillard, and Rachel Corboz at the heart of the game, in front of a defensive line formed by Amandine Pierre-Louis, Marion Romanelli, Aleksandra Gajic, and Chloé Tapia. Up front, Welma Fon and Adèle Connesson will lead the attack and try to set up Sofie Hornemann.

Game scenario

Under rain that is unfortunately commonplace at Les Vertes' matches at Geoffroy-Guichard, Sébastien Joseph's players started the game better than their visitors, but failed to pose a threat in the final third. After creating danger for the first time with a free kick, Marseille found the back of the net with a superb curling shot from distance by Bourdieu, leaving Alice Pinguet helpless (0-1, 14'). Stung, Les Vertes reacted. After aggressive pressing from Sofie Hornemann and a ball recovery, Rachel Corboz failed to slip the ball to Adèle Connesson, who was ideally placed (21'). The Saint-Étienne number 10 was no luckier a few minutes later with a free kick on the edge of the penalty area for a handball that appeared to be inside the 16-yard box. Her attempt flew just over the bar (25'). Aleksandra Gajic's header from a corner suffered the same fate (27'). After a few minutes of offensive inactivity, Marseille once again distinguished themselves through Couasnon, following a well-constructed team move. But the No. 22's shot was too weak to trouble Alice Pinguet (35'). Moments later, Bourdieu broke away on the counterattack but was caught by Amandine Pierre-Louis and failed to convert her one-on-one with the Verte goalkeeper (38'). Marseille's next attempt was much more successful. Herrera entered the box and sent a cross-shot into the opposite top corner... (0-2, 45').

Back from the locker room, Marseille put pressure on the Vert goal. Alice Pinguet deflected Herrera's first attempt, but she was powerless to stop the second a few moments later, abandoned by her defense (0-3, 47'). At the other end of the pitch, Rachel Corboz's attempt missed the target (56'), and a scramble in front of the Marseille goal did not turn in our favor (58'). Despite several changes, Les Vertes struggled to pose a threat. Shortly after coming on for her first appearance with ASSE, Héloïse Mansuy had to leave her teammates on a stretcher, further tarnishing the afternoon... (75'). Shortly afterwards, taking advantage of a poor defensive pass, Bourdieu had plenty of time to lob Alice Pinguet from 40 meters (0-4, 80'). Saint-Étienne's final attempts, although they did exist, were insignificant. Adèle Connesson's shot on target was easily saved (90').

Coming next

After this disappointing performance, Les Vertes need to regain their confidence when they travel to Thonon-Evian for the LFFP Cup next Saturday. October will end with a trip to Le Havre for a league match before the winter break.