In a thrilling display of football, AS Saint-Etienne triumphed over their fierce rivals Olympique Lyonnais with a 2-1 victory in the 30th round of Ligue 1 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The match showcased the rising star Lucas Stassin, who not only scored both goals for the Greens but also found himself at the center of a controversial moment that could have drastically changed the game's outcome.
The atmosphere was electric at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where fans witnessed a gripping derby that had its fair share of drama. Stassin opened the scoring early in the 10th minute, connecting with a precise cross from Léo Pétrot to head the ball past Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. The crowd erupted with joy, and it looked like it would be an exciting day for the home team.
However, the match took a turn when Stassin was involved in a critical incident with Lyon's Corentin Tolisso. Just minutes after his goal, Stassin committed a foul that initially drew a red card from referee François Letexier. Yet, after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the decision was controversially overturned to a yellow card. Stassin expressed his relief post-match, stating, "I really thought he was going to change his decision and give me a yellow. If he had given red, that’s his decision, we have to deal with it, but it would have certainly changed the course of the match."
Tolisso, unfortunately, left the field on a stretcher with a reported minor knee sprain, adding to the tension of the match. Stassin emphasized that he did not intend to injure Tolisso, clarifying, "It was not a gesture to hurt him; he was protecting the ball well with his ankles. It was not my intention to hurt him." The incident sparked criticism from Lyon's president, John Textor, who took to social media to express his discontent with the VAR decision, calling it "insane" that such a clear red card was rescinded.
As the match progressed, the intensity only increased. After a lengthy stoppage of nearly 40 minutes due to an object hitting one of the assistant referees, the game resumed with both teams pushing for dominance. In the 67th minute, Stassin struck again, doubling the lead for Saint-Etienne with a well-placed shot to make it 2-0. This goal marked his 12th of the season, solidifying his reputation as a key player for the team.
Lyon, however, did not back down easily. Tanner Tessmann pulled one back for the visitors in the 76th minute, reigniting hopes for a comeback. Despite their efforts, Saint-Etienne held firm, securing a crucial three points that keeps them in the battle for survival in Ligue 1.
Post-match, Stassin shared his elation, stating, "Incredible! I’m happy to have given the supporters what they deserve. Very happy to have won today; these three points are super important. I’m so happy! It’s thanks to the team. We gave everything from start to finish, and look at this incredible atmosphere!" His contributions on the field have not only helped his team but also endeared him to the passionate Saint-Etienne supporters.
The victory is significant for Saint-Etienne, who now finds themselves in 17th place with 27 points, just above the relegation zone. The team is still fighting to secure their position in the league as they navigate a challenging season. Meanwhile, Lyon sits in 6th place with 51 points, reflecting their ambitions for European qualification.
This derby was not just about the points; it was a clash of pride, history, and fierce rivalry. The incident involving Stassin and Tolisso is likely to be discussed for weeks to come, especially with the stakes so high for both clubs. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Saint-Etienne and their ability to maintain their form, while Lyon will be looking to bounce back from this setback.
As the dust settles on this dramatic encounter, one thing is clear: Lucas Stassin has cemented his place in Saint-Etienne's history with his performance and pivotal goals, proving that sometimes heroes can emerge from the most unexpected situations.
