Certainly, the goal scored away by the Greens gives them an option for maintenance, but it is really minimal.

Especially since the Auxerrois, who finished the match well unlike ASSE, in great physical difficulty, have been effective outside this season.

They will also be able to rely on their good end to the match to tackle the return on Sunday at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium (7:00 p.m.).

Zaydou Youssouf gave the advantage to the Greens in the first period with a shot from the left out of reach of goalkeeper Donovan Léon after a service from Adil Aouchiche at the conclusion of a block (15).

Auxerre, at the cost of a vigorous reaction at the end of the game, equalized in the 87th minute by Gaëtan Perrin with a shot from the left after an opening by Birama Touré.

Without being brilliant, the Stéphanois seemed to manage the match well before giving in when they had the opportunity to make the break.

At the end of the season, they remain on seven matches without a win including four defeats.

Perrin the Catalyst

For their part, the Auxerrois, 3rd in Ligue 2, have a record of six wins and four draws, including those against Sochaux (0-0) whom they eliminated on penalties (5-4) in play- off on May 20, and Saint-Etienne.

During the match, ASSE however showed greater maturity for a long time against a timorous opponent who only let go in the last half hour, after Lassine Sinayoko was replaced by Perrin (62) , which was a catalyst.

From the start, the Greens were dangerous and Léon had to intervene in extremis in front of Arnaud Nordin on receiving a center delivered from the left wing by Denis Bouanga (2).

The latter again pushed the Auxerre goalkeeper to the parade to deflect the Gabonese attempt before Enzo Crivelli's recovery was released by Nordin (40).

Théo Pellenard also saved his team in front of Wahbi Khazri (78).

For their part, the Icaunais have long lacked percussion.

They did not know how to play fair, neither in midfield nor in the finishing area, and above all not fast enough to destabilize their opponent before the last quarter of an hour during which they finally ignited the match against to Foréziens who have retreated.

Previously, they were threatening only by Mathias Autret on a free kick and a shot, diverted by Paul Bernardoni (24, 27), and in the second half on an attempt passing just wide (56).

A recovery from Gauthier Hein narrowly failed (45) like Gaëtan Charbonnier who narrowly missed the frame with a header (90+5).

And in the end the Saint-Etienne team, penultimate defense in Ligue 1 with 77 goals conceded, conceded one more.

And it could weigh heavily on Sunday in the return match, because nothing is done.

© 2022 AFP