AS Saint-Étienne starts its Ligue 2 season on Saturday 9 August at 8 p.m. on the Stade Francis-Le-Basser field against Laval. This first day is crucial for the Stéphanois team, which seeks to revive its momentum after a preparation deemed disappointing and a winter mercato that has not helped to consolidate the workforce. Despite several starts and uncertainties, the goal is to quickly take points in a championship where ASSE is presented as a favourite. The team will have to deal with numerous absences, including key players like Benjamen Bouchouaari and Joshua Duffuss, and will face a strong and motivated Laval, determined to surprise the great favourite. The match will also be marked by the first referee of Ligue 2 for Antoine Valnet, a regular referee of the division who has already played two Laval matches last season.

The move of the Stéphanois supporters to Laval is supervised by the Préffecture de la Mayenne because of the risks of disturbances to public order. Groups of supporters travelling by bus or minibus must go to the Laval arrest centre at 6 p.m., where tickets will be distributed and a police escort will accompany them to the visitor parking. Fans by car must head directly to the visitor parking lot from 6.30 pm, with reserved access after the arrival of buses and minibuses. Strict adherence to this route is strongly recommended to ensure smooth and secure access to the stadium.

The visitor park at Stade Francis-Le-Basser will be complete for this meeting. The Preffecture has put in place strict security measures to guarantee the peace of all. The meeting between Laval and ASSE will begin at 8 p.m. This first meeting of the season represents an important challenge for ASSE, not only to get a good result, but also to become familiar with the referees and playing conditions in Laval.