In an intense derby, AS Saint-Étienne choked Olympique Lyonnais for the first 45 minutes. The Greens imposed their game from the start, carried by a Geoffroy-Guichard inflamed. Eirik Horneland’s formation showed collective control and intensity in the first act, with 10 shots against 3 for OL, 2 big opportunities created against 0 and 1.29 xG against 0.06. At the break, possession was balanced (50%-50%), but it was Sainté who was able to exploit his opportunities by striking twice at the goal and forcing the Lyon goaltender to work.

In the second period, the Lyons took control of the ball with 71% possession, but they failed to find the flaw in the face of a solid and well organized Stéphanois block. The men of Horneland were able to demonstrate realism and management in this derby won mind and energy. Despite lower overall ownership (41% vs. 59%), the AS Saint-Étienne showed that impact and verticality are better than sterile horizontal pass figures. This success sends a strong message to the competition at the end of the season where each point will count. Source: SofaScore