Thrilling and impressive, Les Verts dominate Reims

The Context

Two weeks after his appointment as head coach of the Saint-Étienne men's professional team, Eirik Horneland is set to lead his first match on the AS Saint-Étienne bench this Saturday.

The 44th coach in the history of Les Verts won’t be able to fully experience the atmosphere of "Le Chaudron," as the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium is missing its two "kops" (main supporter sections). Against Reims, and as part of Matchday 16 of Ligue 1 McDonald's, the Greens kick off their 2025 campaign!

The Starting XI

For this first match of the calendar year, Les Verts welcome back Mickaël Nadé, starting in central defense alongside Dylan Batubinsika. Leading the attack is Lucas Stassin, supported by Augustine Boakye and Mathieu Cafaro. Due to illness, Zuriko Davitashvili was replaced at the last minute by Lamine Fomba. 

👤 Le XI stéphanois pour #ASSESDR dans une heure tout pile ! 👊💚 pic.twitter.com/e4MFJa0pvJ

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) January 4, 2025

The Match

True to their coach's vision, Les Verts quickly took control of the ball, creating early chances through high energy and movement (Léo Pétrot, 2’; Benjamin Bouchouari, 4’; Louis Mouton, 8’). With nearly 70% possession by the half-hour mark, Saint-Étienne’s game leaned heavily toward Reims’ goal, defended by Diouf. Lucas Stassin, sent through on goal, was caught at the last moment (28’). Moments later, Louis Mouton, in a similar situation, feinted past the last defender only to hit Diouf’s post (31’).

Fortunate to escape conceding, Diouf then made a critical save, pushing away a powerful strike from Mathieu Cafaro (35’). The missed opportunities proved costly for Les Verts when Nakamura punished them, slotting past Gautier Larsonneur to open the scoring (ASSE 0-1 Reims, 42’).

Returning from the locker room, Saint-Étienne maintained their energy and ambition. After a high press, Mickaël Nadé drove forward, combining with Mathieu Cafaro before delivering a cross to the back post, where Augustine Boakye calmly equalized (ASSE 1-1 Reims, 50’). Not satisfied with one goal, the Ghanaian doubled his tally just minutes later. Set up by Lucas Stassin, he beat his defender and unleashed a right-footed shot into the top corner (ASSE 2-1 Reims, 57’).

Les Verts then dropped back but stayed focused defensively. Lucas Stassin capitalized on this period by scoring a crucial third goal. Found in the box, the Belgian seemed to overrun the ball but recovered brilliantly, chipping it delicately over the keeper and into the net (ASSE 3-1 Reims, 80’).

With the lead secured, Saint-Étienne held firm despite Reims hitting the post late in the game. The bench played a key role in solidifying the win. At just 16 years old, Djylian N’Guessan, who came on in the 90th minute, seized the opportunity to become the third-youngest player in club history to feature for the professional team.

A full replay of the match, complete with commentary, will be available on ASSE.TV starting Monday, January 6.

💚 "On est allés la chercher !" pic.twitter.com/EAEJvuHk1s

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) January 4, 2025

The Next Fixture

Eirik Horneland’s players will travel to the capital next weekend to face PSG in the final match of Ligue 1 McDonald’s Matchday 17. This last game of the first half of the season will take place on Sunday, January 12, at 8:45 PM at the Parc des Princes and will be broadcast live on DAZN.