In a thrilling conclusion to the Ligue 2 season, FC Annecy triumphed over their local rivals, Grenoble Foot 38, with a decisive 3-1 victory in the much-anticipated "Alpico" derby held on May 10, 2025. This match not only marked the end of the season but also saw Annecy secure their best finish in professional football, ending the campaign in sixth place, while Grenoble finished ninth.
The game kicked off with an electric atmosphere at the Parc des Sports, where a record crowd of 10,849 spectators gathered to witness the fierce rivalry. Clément Billemaz opened the scoring for Annecy in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Grenoble. However, the visitors quickly responded with Junior Olaitan equalizing just six minutes later, showcasing their determination to finish the season on a high note.
Despite the setback, Annecy regained control early in the second half. Antoine Larose put the home side back in front just 33 seconds after the restart, a goal that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Billemaz then sealed the win with his second goal of the match in the 51st minute, effectively putting the game out of reach for Grenoble.
After the match, Annecy celebrated not only the victory but also the significance of breaking a nine-match winless streak against Grenoble, which included seven losses and two draws since 2016. This win was a proud moment for the players and fans alike, as they finally claimed bragging rights in the Alps.
Grenoble, despite the loss, had shown resilience throughout the season, finishing with a record of 13 wins, 14 losses, and 7 draws. Head coach Franck Rizzetto, who recently extended his contract with the club, acknowledged the challenges faced this season, particularly the financial constraints brought on by the ongoing TV rights crisis. He expressed hope for a more prosperous 2025-2026 season.
"We need to regroup and focus on building a stronger team for next season," Rizzetto said. "This year has been tough, but we'll learn from it and come back better. Our fans deserve that."
In addition to the men's team's struggles, it was a historic day for Grenoble's women's team, who secured promotion to the second division after a successful campaign in D3. They clinched the top spot in their group with a narrow 1-0 victory over Lyon's reserve team, marking a significant achievement for the club.
The atmosphere around the match was further heightened by the presence of dedicated supporters, with three fans making the 125-kilometer journey to Annecy on scooters, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to the team. This unique approach to travel added a layer of camaraderie and excitement to the day.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3-1 in favor of Annecy, and the home fans erupted in celebration. It was a fitting end to a season filled with ups and downs, and both teams now look ahead to the future. For Annecy, the victory marks a turning point, while Grenoble seeks to rebuild and emerge stronger in the next season.
Looking ahead, the players will take a well-deserved break before returning to training on June 25, 2025, to prepare for the upcoming season. The club's management is already working on strategies to improve the squad, including potential signings and adjustments to the wage bill to navigate the financial challenges ahead.
In this derby, the players left it all on the pitch, and while Grenoble may have fallen short, their spirit and determination were evident. As the fans filed out of the stadium, they held on to hope for a brighter future, knowing that the next season brings new opportunities and challenges.
As the dust settles on this season, both teams will reflect on their journeys. For Annecy, it was a moment to cherish, while Grenoble will aim to turn the page and focus on a fresh start.
