My legendary match
As part of the Top 50 legendary matches to be found in the new issue of France Football, we invited you to tell us about YOUR unforgettable evening. New episode with the incredible Saint-Etienne – Lyon derby in 2013.
The Grail for a longtime Lyon supporter is undoubtedly a victory in the derby and, icing on the cake, when it takes place in Geoffroy-Guichard and we have the chance to attend. And it is always difficult to obtain places as the enthusiasm is great for the hottest derby in France.
Although having known two OL-ASSE at Gerland (a sad 0-0 in 1992 and a sparkling 4-0 which could also have been this unforgettable match for me), I had not yet had the privilege of experiencing such a event outside and. Except that the Prefect of the Loire pronounces the ban on the movement of Lyon supporters for this 107th derby. But undoubtedly touched by grace, two days before the match, things are accelerating and jostling for me when a “friend” (in quotes because he is a Saint Etienne supporter) tells me that he has places but that a person having to accompany him has an impediment and offers to replace him. Hallelujah!
That evening, I experienced the greatest emotion of supporting Lyon. A waking dream, quite simply!
I jump at the chance and, even if a little frustrated at not being able to display my colors, I nevertheless keep an OL stamped t-shirt under my jacket when I enter the stadium. So happy to have had this unexpected place, I had not noticed its location: row 11, very close to the field and at the corner point. I am of course satisfied with that by telling myself that if the actions take place towards the other goal, we will not be so well placed …
Thierry Desjours