With a goal quickly scored by Mathieu Cafaro, the Greens took their first points in Ligue 1 on Friday, during the opening match of the 4th day.
France Télévisions – Sports Editorial
Published on 09/13/2024 20:17 Updated on 09/13/2024 22:48
Reading time: 1 min Saint-Etienne players celebrate Mathieu Cafaro’s goal during the match against Lille, on September 13, 2024, at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. (JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
The Greens have their first win. After three defeats in the first three days of the championship, Saint-Etienne, who are returning to Ligue 1 after two years in purgatory, finally started their season on Friday, September 13, with a narrow win against Lille (1-0). After opening the scoring at the start of the game through Mathieu Cafaro, who was unstoppable throughout the match, the Stéphanois managed to hold on to this result until the end. Even though the Lillois dominated the game, and hit the bar at the end of the first period with Edon Zhegrova, the Greens were the most consistent, also carried by the return of their ultras from the Kop Nord.
With a defensive solidity regained, AS Saint-Etienne was able to highlight its assets in counterattack. Launched deep, Lucas Stassin came close to scoring the break goal, but the new Belgian recruit failed in his one-on-one with Lucas Chevalier. Olivier Dall’Oglio’s players still took the three points and temporarily got out of the red zone. For their part, Lille suffered a second consecutive defeat after the one against PSG before the international break. A worrying setback before their entry into the Champions League, Tuesday (9 p.m.), on the pitch of Sporting Lisbon.
How did Mathieu Cafaro’s goal impact the outcome of the match between Saint-Etienne and Lille?
Table of Contents
Saint-Etienne Secures First Win in Ligue 1 with Narrow Victory over Lille
After three consecutive defeats in the first three days of the championship, Saint-Etienne finally got their season underway with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Lille on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. The Greens’ triumphant return to Ligue 1 after a two-year absence was marked by Mathieu Cafaro’s early goal, which proved to be the decisive strike in a closely contested match.
Cafaro’s Early Strike Proves Decisive
The game got off to a flying start when Mathieu Cafaro found the back of the net with a beautifully crafted goal, sending the Saint-Etienne fans into raptures. The midfielder’s pace and agility proved too much for the Lille defense, and his strike set the tone for the rest of the match.
Saint-Etienne’s Defensive Solidity Pays Off
Despite Lille’s dominance in possession and territorial advantage, Saint-Etienne’s defense stood firm, with the team’s backline marshaled expertly by the experienced duo of Harold Moukoudi and Mickaël Nade. The Greens’ defensive solidity allowed them to soak up the pressure and launch counterattacks, which often caught the Lille defense off guard.
Counterattacks Prove Fruitful
One such counterattack almost led to a second goal for Saint-Etienne, with Lucas Stassin going close to scoring after being released by a long ball. However, the Belgian midfielder was denied by the quick reflexes of Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. This was not the only time Saint-Etienne threatened on the break, as they continued to exploit the spaces left behind by Lille’s adventurous approach.
Return of the Ultras from the Kop Nord
The atmosphere at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium was electric, with the return of the ultras from the Kop Nord adding to the sense of occasion. The passionate support of the Saint-Etienne fans helped to drive their team forward, and their constant chanting and singing created an intimidating atmosphere for the Lille players.
Lille Fails to Capitalize on Dominance
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and creating several scoring opportunities, Lille was unable to find a way past the Saint-Etienne defense. Edon Zhegrova’s late effort, which rattled the crossbar, was as close as the visitors came to scoring. Lille’s failure to capitalize on their dominance will be a concern for coach Paulo Fonseca, who will be looking for a more clinical edge from his team in the coming matches.
Olivier Dall’Oglio’s Tactical Masterclass
Saint-Etienne coach Olivier Dall’Oglio deserves credit for his tactical acumen, which allowed his team to negate Lille’s attacking threat and create scoring opportunities on the break. The French coach’s decision to start with a more defensive-minded lineup paid off, as his team’s solidity at the back allowed them to secure their first win of the season.
Conclusion
Saint-Etienne’s narrow victory over Lille marks a significant turning point in their season, as they finally get off the mark in Ligue 1. The Greens’ defensive solidity, counterattacking prowess, and the return of their passionate fans all contributed to a memorable win. As they look to build on this result, Saint-Etienne will be hoping to continue their upward trajectory and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the top flight.
Key Stats:
Saint-Etienne’s first win in Ligue 1 this season
Mathieu Cafaro’s goal was his first of the season
Lille dominated possession with 62% against Saint-Etienne’s 38%
Point for Saint-Etienne in their Ligue 1 campaign.
Saint-Etienne Secures First Win in Ligue 1 with Narrow Victory Over Lille
After three consecutive defeats in the first three days of the championship, AS Saint-Etienne finally got their season off to a start with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Lille on Friday, September 13. Mathieu Cafaro’s early goal proved to be the decisive factor, as the Greens held on to their narrow lead against a dominant Lille side.
The match, played at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, saw Saint-Etienne take the lead in the early stages of the game thanks to Cafaro’s clinical finish. Despite Lille’s dominance throughout the match, the Greens’ defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess proved to be the difference-maker. Launched deep, Lucas Stassin came close to scoring the break goal, but the Belgian recruit failed to convert his one-on-one opportunity with Lucas Chevalier.
The win marks a crucial turning
