On March 9, 2025, the Ligue 1 encounter between Le Havre AC and AS Saint-Etienne culminated in a 1-1 draw at the Stade Océane, leaving both teams grappling for pivotal points to stave off relegation.
The match began with Saint-Etienne taking the lead just 10 minutes in, courtesy of Lucas Stassin, who capitalized on a rebound opportunity after Cardona's initial shot was blocked. This early goal showcased Stassin's recent form, marking his fifth goal in the last ten league matches.
Despite their struggles this season, the Havrais showed resilience as they equalized just before half-time. Abdoulaye Touré converted a penalty after his initial shot was denied by goalkeeper Larsonneur, but he followed through to score on the rebound, leveling the match at 1-1.
Following the match, Le Havre's Loïc Nego expressed satisfaction with the draw, stating, “It was quite an open match for both teams. But since there was a stake, we had to limit risks. Now, we both are satisfied to take one point tonight, even if we would of course have preferred to win.” He indicated they would now focus on their next important match against Lyon.
Touré shared his feelings after the match, voicing disappointment about missing the chance to secure all three points: “There’s a bit of disappointment, as we wanted to confirm our performance from last week against Lens. The objective remains the same: to maintain our place.” He added candidly about his penalty, “I didn’t celebrate because I was disappointed with the way I shot it.”
On the side of the visitors, Aïmen Moueffek noted the importance of learning to control games after they had initially dominated possession. He reflected, “If this second goal had been accepted, we could have secured the win. We need to learn not to concede immediately after scoring.”
Maxime Bernauer, also from ASSE, emphasized their strong start, “We had about 20 good minutes where we really pressured them. The first half wasn't perfect, but we have to build on our early momentum.” His disappointment shifted to a resolve for the future, noting, “We know it’s all about staying up now, and we’ll analyze how to improve as we head forward.”
The draw means Le Havre remains 16th on the Ligue 1 table, one point clear of Saint-Etienne, who sits just below them. This result brought the Havrais to one point behind Reims, now above the relegation playoff position.
Reflecting on future matches, Touré mentioned, “Next up is Lyon, which will be important for us.” The team's attitude moving forward signals hope, as they aim to gather momentum to avoid returning to Ligue 2.
This match ended Le Havre's series of home defeats, clearing the cobwebs off their local performances. Nonetheless, it underscored the continuing struggle both teams face as they look to secure their top-flight status where each match can feel like life or death.
The atmosphere at the Stade Océane held tension as both clubs are aware of the stakes surrounding their next matches. Fans and players alike cling to each moment, as the season's conclusion draws nearer, with every point counted as more than just the scoreline.
Both teams will have tough challenges ahead, with Le Havre heading to Lyon and Saint-Etienne preparing for Montpellier. With relegation looming, the pressure is on across the board to secure their positions.
For Le Havre, the performances moving forward will be pivotal. The draw may feel like small consolation against well-placed rivals, but it could serve as the foundation for gathering the strength needed to face the coming matches – and for Saint-Etienne, the road remains fraught with hurdles as they accumulate experiences from each fixture to battle their way up the table.