The AS Saint-Étienne failed to turn his good performance into a victory in his match against the Racing Club in Strasbourg. Despite having a balanced ball and seductive moments of play, the Greens had to settle for a frustrating defeat (3-1). Key statistics from the match, provided by FBref, show that ASSE has been in difficulty in several areas.

Despite a promising start to the match and a balanced ball, the AS Saint-Étienne failed to turn its good intentions into real efficiency against the Racing Club in Strasbourg. Offensive mistakes, defensive febrileness and lack of response in the duels were the main factors behind this defeat.

Eirik Horneland’s players have generally taken the lead in terms of possession (49% vs. 51%) and successful passes (86% success, close to the 88% in Strasbourg). However, possession of a bullet is not enough to be dangerous. With only 6 shots set out of 17 attempts (35% success), ASSE failed in the last move, while Strasbourg was more clinical with 7 shots set out of 18 (39%).

Strasbourg’s domination of the aerial duels was also without appeal: 19 aerial duels won against only 5 for AS Saint-Étienne. This physical and impact deficit was felt in the decisive moments of the game.

The Georgian was the best attacker of the Greens, with a beautiful performance concluded by an equalization in the first period. Moueffek often tried to speed up the game and break the lines through his races, but he was one of the few to maintain the intensity required in such encounters.

The Stéphanois defence was too permissive, as evidenced by the numerous Strasbourg centres and the difficulties in containing Emegha. Even Gautier Larsonneur (57% stops) could not compensate for the widths of his rearguard.

If you look quickly at the possession of a ball, you might think of a balanced match between Strasbourg and Saint-Étienne. However, by looking more closely, the figures reveal a much clearer dominance of Strasbourgians in key sectors.

Firstly, efficiency on both surfaces: Strasbourg set 7 shots out of 18 attempted (39%), while Saint-Étienne set 6 out of 17 (35%). Fewer targeted shots for the Greens and especially fewer truly dangerous situations, despite a relatively similar number of strikes.

Secondly, the physical fight: in the air duels, Strasbourg literally walked on the Stéphanois with 19 duels won against only 5 for the ASSE. This abyssal gap illustrates a glaring gap in impact and response, particularly in the defensive area where