Points shared at Geoffroy

Context

After victories against Troyes (2-3) and Nancy (2-1), Saint-Étienne lost by a single goal in Dunkerque. Back in their home stadium, but without their Kop Nord supporters, they welcome SC Bastia, bottom of Ligue 2 BKT. 

Starting XI

Eirik Horneland has retained the defense that finished the match in Dunkirk, starting Ben Old at left back after his strong performance in the north. The coach is also relying on the return of Augustine Boakye for his attacking line.

Game scenario

From the kickoff, Les Verts established their dominance against a Bastia side that has struggled for confidence since the start of the season. Saint-Étienne dominated possession and the pressure stifled the Corsicans, who struggled to get any players beyond their 40-yard line. Zuriko Davitashvili tested Placide's gloves (4th) before Augustine Boakye struggled to find his aim (12th, 17th). But against all odds, it was Bastia who opened the scoring through Sebas. After a missed shot (15th), the striker took advantage of a Saint-Étienne turnover to score against the run of play (0-1, 18th). The Forez players reacted quickly through Zuriko Davitashvili (1-1, 24th), who was set up by a pass from Maxime Bernauer that broke through two defensive lines at once. The Corsicans then took advantage of a defensive slip to allow Tomi to restore his team's lead (1-2, 34th). Les Verts came close to equalizing before the break, but Placide saved Irvin Cardona's shot and then Augustine Boakye's follow-up (45+4').

The second half kicked off with Saint-Étienne combining well and Mahmoud Jaber firing in a powerful shot (50') that failed to find the target. Les Verts continued to dominate but struggled to create chances. After coming on, Lucas Stassin tried to put pressure on the Bastia defense and managed to get a quick shot off in the box, but Placide easily saved it (72'). Saint-Étienne equalized for the second time through Zuriko Davitashvili (2-2, 81st minute). It was a deserved goal given the home side's dominance, but it still didn't reflect the overall picture of the match. It looked like the reward would finally come after a penalty was awarded for a foul on Mahmoud Jaber, but Placide managed to stop Florian Tardieu's shot (87'). A controversial situation involving Lucas Stassin in added time did not result in another chance from the penalty spot, and Les Verts were forced to share the points. 

Coming next

Despite their undisputed dominance, Les Verts left the pitch frustrated. For their final outing of 2025, they will travel to the Allianz Riviera to take on OGC Nice in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France.

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