Les Verts relegated to Ligue 2

Context

Thanks to their victory last Saturday at Reims (0-2), Les Verts earned a decisive match this weekend. This Saturday evening, if they defeat Toulouse FC and Le Havre does not win at Strasbourg, they will play a two-legged relegation play-off against Metz next week. If both of these conditions are not met, Les Verts will be relegated to Ligue 2 BKT this Saturday evening.

Starting XI

The eleven players who won at Reims are also starting this Saturday evening at Geoffroy-Guichard.

👥 Le XI stéphanois pour #ASSETFC, dans une heure ! pic.twitter.com/H8yNOpcgIx

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) May 17, 2025

The game

In a sold-out Geoffroy-Guichard stadium with an electric atmosphere, the first five minutes are spent exclusively in Toulouse's half. But the first incursion from the team in full yellow kits makes the Chaudron tremble. A last-ditch tackle from Dennis Appiah after a cross in front of the goal from King prevents the probable opening goal from the visitors (6th minute). The second incursion, however, leads to a goal. Launched down the left side, Kamanzi takes on the defense and sends a powerful shot to the near post, deceiving Gautier Larsonneur (ASSE 0-1 Toulouse, 10th minute).  

On the second corner ball, Florian Tardieu receives the ball and aims for the top corner. His shot narrowly misses (13th minute). King’s shot, however, finds the mark. Launched by a ball through the defense, the Toulouse striker deceives the last St. Étienne defender with a placed shot along the post (ASSE 0-2 Toulouse, 15th minute). After a few minutes of uncertainty, Irvin Cardona wakes everyone up with a well-placed header from a free kick, but Restes and the crossbar intervene (28th minute).

But this is nothing compared to Florian Tardieu’s wake-up call! The number 10, who scored last week with a long-range shot, repeats the feat with a superb instinctive volley from the edge of the penalty area (ASSE 1-2 Toulouse, 38th minute). After a break from Maxime Bernauer, Irvin Cardona, served on his side, looks for Zuriko Davitashvili. The international attempts a shot inside the box, forcing Restes into an incredible save (45th minute). In added time, the Verts create chaos in the opposition box. However, a deflection off the post and Pierre Ekwah’s long-range shot, which is easily collected, deny Saint-Étienne (45+5).

Back from the locker room, Sierro takes the first shot and hits the left post of Gautier Larsonneur (48th minute). From a corner, Dylan Batubinsika makes a strong header but misses the target (54th minute). The target, however, is found by Gboho, who receives the ball in the box and deceives Gautier Larsonneur with a powerful shot (ASSE 1-3 Toulouse, 58th minute). Unlucky at the start of the match, Dylan Batubinsika finally finds the back of the net with a header from a Zuriko Davitashvili cross (ASSE 2-3 Toulouse, 63rd minute).  

After a first miraculous save against King in added time of the first half, Gautier Larsonneur pulls off a second save from a powerful, close-range header by Toulouse (64th minute). Pierre Ekwah’s long-range shot doesn't help the Verts get back into the game (80th minute). "Larso" makes a final save at the beginning of added time (90th minute), the last of this difficult 2024-2025 season. At the final whistle, the Verts are relegated to Ligue 2 BKT.

The Future

With this defeat on the final day, the Verts are relegated and will play in Ligue 2 BKT during the 2025-2026 season.