The AS Saint-Étienne wins an intense derby against Olympique Lyonnais
The derby won by the AS Saint-Étienne could be the springboard to the success of its mission to maintain in League 1. If this match caused anger in the Rhône, the Stéphanois supporters recall that the club’s survival is essential.
The AS Saint-Étienne won an intense derby against Olympique Lyonnais thanks to a first half of a very high level. The Greens, who dominated the game, stifled OL by their intensity, their cleaning and their efficiency, creating many opportunities and preventing Lyon from developing its game. Despite balanced possession at the break, Saint-Étienne was the most dangerous.
In the second period, Lyon tried to react by monopolizing the ball, but ran into a solid and well-organized Stéphanois defence. The Greens, less dominating but more realistic, were able to add a second goal. The players in Lyon reduced the gap but the Liberians managed their lead. In the end, the AS Saint-Étienne is logically established thanks to its commitment, its effectiveness and a first controlled period.
A precious victory that sends a strong message to their competitors at the end of the season. In Lyon, supporters lived a complicated week. First defeated 5-4 in Manchester by leading 4-2 to 7 minutes from the end of the extension, OL bowed into the derby 3 days later. The Bad Gones deployed a banner at the training centre of the Rhodanian club recalling the end-of-season goal: “From pride to shame, 4 games for the podium”.
As a reminder, the threat of an administrative demotion hovering over OL who would need a qualification in the Champions League, synonymous with a very high cheque. The state of mind displayed by Eirik Horneland’s men in the derby satisfied the desires of the Stéphanese supporters. This Thursday morning, the Magic Fans deployed a banner in front of the Robert Herbin Sports Centre: “State of mind of warriors, continue this momentum. Four more games to save us!”
AS Saint-Étienne will go to Strasbourg this weekend. The Alsatians stay on a series of 10 games without defeat and hope to hang the highest European place possible. The task will be delicate for Greens who have never chained 2 consecutive wins this season in Ligue 1.