The match summary
Comments: Alexandre Vau and Olivier Roché
Saint-Etienne / Rennes, direct
Saint-Étienne – Rennes, the movie of the match
It’s a historic evening that the Greens made us live. ASSE had not played a semi-final of the Coupe de France at Geoffroy-Guichard since 1993 (defeat against Nantes 1-0), had not qualified for the final of the competition since 1982. Besides as that year ASSE will return to Paris Saint-Etienne, with, we hope, a better purpose. Even if we know that it will be very difficult.
In any case, we savor this moment of joy and popular jubilation. Meet again ASSE supporters invade the lawn at the final whistle, for a manifestation of joy, it is really fun especially in this difficult time for the club.
In addition to that, this qualification is deserved. The Greens have produced their best game of 2020. A match that can serve as a master stallion if not a trigger. The Greens have proven that they can raise their game level, that they have the ability to dominate a match, to be mentally and physically strong, and to speak their technique.
A first controlled period from end to end or almost. Only one error was made and it was by William Saliba causing a penalty (33 ‘). Rennes open the scoring against the course of the game.
What also changes is the reaction after this goal: the Greens did not let go for a second. And they continued to dominate very nervous Rennais and authors of many faults. And on a center from Diony, “Kolo” deflects the ball from the head and equalizes at the end of the first period (43 ‘): 1-1 at the break. All hopes are allowed.
The second half will be less intense but still very clean on the part of Claude Puel’s men. The two teams will even play with a brake: the fear of conceding an eliminatory goal. The changes from the Stéphane coach will pay off. In the second period Abi and Boudebouz enter in place of Diony and M’Vila (Cabaye had to give way to Dioussé in the first period, hit the right adductor).
And it’s Ryad Boudebouz, in diffciulté at this moment, which will be at the conclusion of a liberating attack led by Saliba and Bouanga. In the last seconds of the match, Ryad Boudebouz scores the goal that takes the Greens to the Coupe de France final and brings intense joy to all the Green people.
Then follows one explosion of happiness in the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium as we dreamed of. There followed a communion with the public and a “shalala” launched on the microphone by William Saliba.
Greens head for Stade de France. Not immediately, it’s April 25. Meanwhile, there is the Championship, very important. There is this Sunday 8 March home game against Bordeaux. But, tonight, we especially savor this historic victory!