On Sunday, March 9, 2025, AS Saint-Étienne faced Le Havre AC in what was marked as a pivotal match for both teams battling against relegation. The game, part of the 25th round of Ligue 1, concluded with both sides sharing the points after a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The match kicked off at Stade Océane at 17:15, with ASSE, currently sitting 17th, eager to put points on the board against their 16th-placed opponents. The early signs were promising for the visitors, with Lucas Stassin netting the opening goal just 11 minutes in, marking his sixth goal of the season and demonstrating the attacking potential within the team.
“We started well, and I thought we could have followed up with a second goal, but we faded as the first half progressed,” said Aïmen Moueffek of ASSE. He reflected on the performance, adding, “It’s important for us to learn how to avoid conceding after scoring.” This sentiment echoed the team's struggle to maintain momentum throughout the game, which saw them unable to capitalize on their early advantage.
The home side's response came swiftly, with Abdoulaye Touré converting a penalty awarded just before halftime, equalizing for Le Havre at 1-1. The penalty was the result of a handball, which was prompting frustration for the visitors and highlighted their defensive frailty throughout the campaign.
The VAR played a significant role early, disallowing what would have been ASSE’s second goal just two minutes after Stassin's opener, as Cardona was ruled offside by the narrowest of margins. The disallowed goal proved to be monumental as it sustained the high stakes pressure within the match.
Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goal, ASSE maintained their attacking focus, with Moueffek continuing to drive the midfield and create chances. The first half concluded with both teams on equal footing, but ASSE remained aware they had let what could have been two extra points slip due to their inability to stabilize the game.
Going back to the second half, the home team pushed hard for control, their efforts dominated by defensive maneuvers from ASSE, who resisted aggressive attempts to reclaim the lead. Despite occasional moments of fine attacking play from Le Havre, including near-misses and shots from distance, the defensive unit of ASSE held firm, much to the relief of their supporters.
Remarkably, the match was played against the backdrop of wider stakes, with ASSE needing to secure points to improve their survival chances. They entered this match still licking their wounds from their previous results; ASSE hadn't won away all season, and this contest was seen as potentially transformative for the club. "We need to prepare rigorously for the next match against Montpellier. The importance of each game is rising,” Moueffek added, reinforcing the notion of every point counting as the season drew on.
Le Havre, for their part, struggled with inconsistency at home this season, having only garnered six points at Stade Océane since the start of the current campaign. They had their own challenges, including the inability to convert pressure and possession—of which they had the majority late on—into meaningful scoring chances.
The draw leaves both clubs still hovering near the relegation zone, with ASSE one point behind Le Havre, following Reims' simultaneous defeat to Auxerre. Supporters of the green and white colors, nearly 1,000 strong at the away match, displayed their united front amid adversity, hoping for brighter days as they held aloft banners declaring solidarity with the team. "Wearing this jersey is honorable; show they’re worth it," read one such message from the fans.
Following the game, head coach Eirik Horneland emphasized the need for his side to maintain composure and play with conviction: "We cannot afford to ease off; we must stay strong and resilient. The upcoming matches will define our season, starting with Montpellier next week, which is incredibly important for our campaign.”
Each team now turns their attentions toward their next encounters—Le Havre hoping to consolidate their place above the relegation zone, as the battle intensifies to secure safety before the season's end. The stakes could not be higher as Ligue 1 heads toward the final stretch, with much to play for as every point now signifies potential survival.