In a high-stakes encounter at Stade Auguste-Delaune, AS Saint-Étienne secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Stade de Reims on May 10, 2025, revitalizing their hopes of avoiding relegation from Ligue 1. The win, marked by an explosive start, was essential for the struggling Greens, who currently sit in 17th place and in a relegation spot.
The match began in spectacular fashion for the visitors, with Florian Tardieu finding the net just three minutes in. After a well-coordinated team move, Tardieu unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner, giving ASSE an early lead. This goal not only set the tone for the match but also showcased Tardieu's importance to the team, as it was his first goal of the season.
As the game progressed, the Verts faced a challenging first half, with Reims applying pressure and creating several chances. However, the home side squandered two significant opportunities, particularly a missed chance from Tia that could have leveled the score. The Greens, demonstrating resilience, managed to double their advantage just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Irvin Cardona capitalized on a rebound after a shot from Wadji was saved, slotting the ball home to make it 2-0.
With this lead, ASSE headed into the break feeling buoyed, knowing they had the momentum. However, as Aïmen Moueffek noted post-match, the team was aware that the job was not finished. "It was a survival match; we were rewarded today, but we know we have two very important games left," he said, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
The second half saw Reims come out with renewed vigor, but the Verts managed to hold their ground. Despite a few tense moments, including a close call when Reims' Ito nearly scored, the Saint-Étienne defense remained solid. Goalkeeper Larsonneur made crucial saves, including a reflex stop that kept the clean sheet intact.
In the 52nd minute, Reims did manage to score, but the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the relief of the traveling fans. The Verts continued to defend resolutely, and as the match wore on, they began to control possession, effectively managing the game’s tempo.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium was palpable. The home side pushed for a comeback, but Saint-Étienne's defense stood firm. The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline in favor of the Greens, a result that reignited their hopes of staying in Ligue 1. They now find themselves just one point behind Le Havre, who lost to Marseille earlier in the day.
Looking ahead, ASSE will face Toulouse in their next match on May 17, 2025, and they must secure a victory to keep their survival hopes alive. The scenario is clear: they need to win against Toulouse and hope for favorable results in the other matches to avoid relegation.
The victory at Reims was not just a much-needed three points; it was a statement from a team that has faced adversity this season. Coach Eirik Horneland praised his players for their determination and focus, stating, "We knew it would be tough, but we executed our game plan well. The support from our fans was incredible, and we wanted to give them something to cheer about."
With just two matches remaining and a fierce battle for survival on the line, the Greens have shown that they are ready to fight until the very end. Their performance against Reims was a testament to their resilience and commitment to maintaining their place in Ligue 1.
As the season draws to a close, the atmosphere around the club has shifted from despair to cautious optimism. The supporters, who traveled in numbers to support their team, will be hoping that this victory is the turning point in their fight against relegation. The upcoming clash with Toulouse promises to be another thrilling encounter, as the Verts strive to secure their top-flight status.
