Saint-Étienne - Lyon: A Historical Derby at the Rendez-Vous with Rivalité
This Sunday evening, French football will vibrate at the rhythm of one of the most mythical derbies of the Ligue 1: Saint-Étienne – Lyon. In Geoffroy-Guichard, AS Saint-Étienne will welcome its rival, Olympique Lyonnais, as part of the 30th day of the competition. A crucial match for both teams, whose ambitions diverge considerably.
Anecdotes and History at the Rendez-Vous
Before the kick-off, the newspaper The Team interviewed two emblematic figures of the two clubs: Osvaldo Piazza, former ASSE defender (1972-1979), and Fleury Di Nallo, legendary OL attacker (1960-1974). In particular, Di Nallo revealed that he had almost joined ASSE twice, evoking a double and triple bonus offer. Di Nallo’s personal history, marked by its Italian origins and its attachment to Saint-Étienne, perfectly illustrates the depth of this rivalry.
A Crucial Match and Controversies
OL, freshly beaten in Manchester in overtime, will seek to remobilize, while ASSE, in the fight for maintenance, will have to surpass itself. However, the game will already be rich in rebounds. Tension will be palpable, and potential errors could have major consequences.
Beyond the Land: A Historical Rivality
The rivalry between Saint-Étienne and Lyon is not limited to sports competition. It is rooted in the history of the two cities, industrial and mining cities, which have often faced each other on all levels. Experts, such as Christophe Eudeline, have tried to decipher this rivalry through the analogy of a horse race, highlighting the alternation of superiority between the two formations. A comic book, “Histoire du derby”, directed by Céheu, explores these historical roots, tracing rivalry since the Middle Ages and highlighting the contrasts between the two cities.
A Match to follow with Attention
Sunday’s game (20/04, 8:45 p.m.) at Geoffroy-Guichard looks like an intense confrontation, where history, rivalry and ambition will cross. The comic book “Histoire du derby” is available at 60 outlets in Lyon, mainly bookstores, and on the website of the sequential grocery store.