Stade Brestois faced AS Saint-Étienne this Sunday afternoon at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in a crucial match for the Ligue 1 maintenance fight. Faced with a difficult situation in the standings, the local team, led by Eirik Horneland, hoped to be able to count on the unwavering support of its supporters to win an essential victory. The first half was marked by a dynamic game rich in rebounds, but also by costly defensive flaws for the Stéphanois. In the sixth minute, the Brestois opened the score thanks to Ajorque, taking advantage of a loss of enemy ball. The ASSE responded quickly through Stassin, following a well-executed corner, before granting the advantage again thanks to Sima on an eccentric free kick. Cardona equalled for the ASSE, but Ajorque, again, put a new goal on a specific center, allowing the Brestois to regain the advantage before the break.
The first period ended with a score of 3-2 in favour of Brest, illustrating the difficulties of AS Saint-Étienne in managing the phases stopped and containing the opposing offensives. Guard Larsonneur was also pointed out for his mistakes in air balloon management. The replay saw the Greens show better intentions, with a more compact defense and a strong will to return to the score. Stassin demonstrated his efforts, while Breton players continued to create opportunities, Pereira Lage and Lala being particularly dangerous. The tension was palpable on the ground, and both teams multiplied the substitutions to try to unblock the situation.
The third goal from Stéphanois, scored by Cardona on a superb lobée, allowed to revive a thrilling end of the match, releasing pressure and reviving the hope of the maintenance. Despite missed opportunities on both sides, including a crossbar struck by Davitashvili and Baldé’s attempt, the match ended on a parity score. This spectacular meeting, marked by spectacular actions and intense intensity, underscores the fierce struggle for the retention in Ligue 1 and the challenges that AS Saint-Étienne must face to ensure its future in the elite of French football.