Les Verts leave Coupe de France

Context

After a frustrating draw against Bastia at Geoffroy-Guichard (2-2), Saint-Étienne swap their Ligue 2 BKT runners-up spot for a place in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France. To reach this stage of the competition, they will have to overcome Nice in a closed-door match at the Allianz Riviera.

Starting XI

Gautier Larsonneur will be in goal against Les Aiglons, with Kevin Pedro and Mickaël Nadé in central defense, flanked by Maxime Bernauer on the right and Ben Old on the left. In midfield, young Paul Eymard will slot in between two experienced players, while Lucas Stassin returns to the starting lineup in attack.

Game scenario

Both teams were well organized and made the most of their possession to create danger in front of the opposition's goal. Les Verts were the first to have a chance, but Zuriko Davitashvili was perhaps too unselfish when he could have shot (3'). In turn, Les Aiglons quickly pushed forward, but Gautier Larsonneur was even quicker and caught the ball before Sanson (5') could get to it. However, he was beaten by Diallo, who deflected the ball between his legs after a well-executed attack (1-0, 11'). Les Verts responded with Augustine Boakye (13th) and then Lucas Stassin (15th), but it didn't work, as after some good combinations on the edge of the box, they failed to get a shot off (16th). Les Stéphanois were in trouble when Ndombelé's shot narrowly missed the target (20th). The two teams then traded blows before Augustine Boakye had a shot that missed the target (30th minute) and another that ended up in Dupe's gloves (37th minute), as did Paul Eymard's attempt from 25 meters (39th minute). Les Verts continued to play well and it eventually paid off. Lucas Stassin was fouled in the box and Zuriko Davitashvili converted the penalty (1-1, 45th min). It was a deserved equalizer for Les Verts, who could have scored earlier in the game.

After 10 minutes spent trying to get into the game, both teams let loose and the pace picked up with attacks going from one goal to the other without resulting in any shots on goal. It took until the hour mark to see the first real attempt of the second half with a curling shot from Zuriko Davitashvili, but it went wide by a few centimeters (68'). Meanwhile, the Aiglons managed to double their lead thanks to Sanson (2-1, 73rd) who received a cross from Cho that was deflected by Gautier Larsonneur. Lucas Stassin (75th) and then Mahmoud Jaber (76th) tried to get ASSE back on track immediately, but without success. After a dangerous shot was well saved by Gautier Larsonneur (80'), Les Verts continued to search for an equalizer without success, despite a huge chance for Nadir El Jamali (90') that went wide and a final shot from Lucas Stassin that also missed the target (90'+3).

Coming next 

Eliminated by Gym, Les Verts delivered a solid performance, but lacked offensive realism. The week beginning tomorrow will allow them to recharge their batteries before training resumes on Monday, December 29, ahead of their first official outing of 2026: Le Mans-ASSE, Saturday, January 3 (8 p.m.).

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Une publication partagée par AS Saint-Étienne (@asseofficiel)