The 2024-2025 National season continues with a thrilling away match for Dijon FCO as they face FC Rouen at the Robert-Diochon stadium this Friday evening. The stakes are high for the Dijon side, who are looking to build on their recent form and push for a playoff spot. Last season, Dijon delivered a stunning performance against Rouen, winning 5-0 in Normandy, but this time, the match proved to be much more challenging.
The match kicked off at 19:30, with both teams eager to secure valuable points. The official lineups were announced before the game, showcasing the strategies each team would employ. For FC Rouen, the lineup featured Royes in goal, with a defensive line of Sanson, Bassin, and Bouzamoucha. The midfield was anchored by Goprou, Benzia, Abdelmoula, and Mion, while Bezzekhami led the attack alongside Benkaid and Abi. On the bench, Rouen had Lehoux, Kabongo, Letono, Mbock, and Ferrah ready to make an impact.
Dijon FCO, on the other hand, fielded a strong team with Delecroix as the goalkeeper. The defense comprised Titebah, Bernard, Mendy, and Makutungu, while the midfield was manned by Marié, Gui, and Vargas-Rios. Upfront, Lembezat was supported by Barka and Djaé. The bench included Montfort, Diallo, Chahid, Hamada, Ikanga, and Duville-Parsemain, providing depth and options for head coach.
As the match progressed, it became clear that both teams were struggling to find their rhythm. Dijon, currently sitting in sixth place, was determined to secure a win to keep their hopes of promotion alive. Meanwhile, Rouen, positioned in 11th, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
The first half saw limited chances for both sides, with Dijon trying to break through Rouen's defense. However, the Normans held firm, and the halftime score remained 0-0. The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams exchanging possession but failing to create clear-cut opportunities.
Things took a dramatic turn in the 78th minute when Dijon was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Vargas-Rios stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick, but to the dismay of the Dijon fans, his shot struck the left post and bounced away, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.
As the match neared its conclusion, both teams were visibly frustrated. Rouen's Goprou received a yellow card in the 67th minute, followed by Bassin in the 73rd minute, and Sanson in the 78th minute, indicating the mounting pressure and intensity of the game. Benkaid also received a yellow card in the 84th minute, showcasing the physical nature of the contest.
Dijon remained hopeful of snatching a late winner, but despite their efforts, they couldn't convert their chances. Mendy received a yellow card in the 87th minute, adding to the growing list of cautions as tensions flared on the pitch.
Ultimately, the match ended in a stalemate, with both teams sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw. The result left Dijon at seven points adrift of the third-place team, a position that complicates their aspirations for promotion.
After the match, coach and players expressed their disappointment at not being able to secure the win, especially after missing the penalty that could have changed the game's outcome. The DFCO, now on a run of four matches without a loss, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge.
Looking ahead, the DFCO will return home for their next fixture against Concarneau, where they will aim to capitalize on their home advantage. The team will be eager to bounce back and keep their promotion hopes alive as the season progresses.
As for FC Rouen, they will take confidence from their defensive performance and look to build on this result in their upcoming matches. With the season still in its early stages, both teams have plenty to play for as they navigate the challenges of the National championship.
