Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, May 17, 2025 In a high-stakes relegation battle, Toulouse FC delivered a devastating blow to AS Saint-Étienne, winning 3-2 in a pulsating encounter that sealed Les Verts’ fate relegation to Ligue 2. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, Saint-Étienne fell short, while Toulouse ended their season with a flourish, showcasing clinical finishing and tactical resilience.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring early goals, VAR drama, woodwork strikes, and heroic saves. For Saint-Étienne, the result means their first relegation in over a decade, while Toulouse finish in the top half, capping off a solid campaign.
First Half: Toulouse Stun Geoffroy-Guichard with Early Blitz
From the first whistle, Toulouse imposed themselves, exploiting Saint-Étienne’s defensive frailties. The visitors struck twice inside 16 minutes, leaving the home crowd shell-shocked.
⚽ 10’ – Warren Kamanzi (0-1) – Toulouse Take the Lead
A quick transition saw Yann Gboho drift wide before slipping the ball to Kamanzi. The left-back cut inside Dennis Appiah, leaving the defender stranded, before firing a low drive past Gautier Larsonneur at the near post. A disastrous start for Les Verts.
⚽ 16’ – Joshua King (0-2) – Toulouse Double Their Lead
Frank Magri played a perfect through ball to King, who raced clear of Saint-Étienne’s high line. The Danish striker kept his composure, slotting past Larsonneur with a cool finish. The Geoffroy-Guichard fell silent relegation loomed large.
Key Moments Before Halftime:
- 23’ – Aïmen Moueffek Injury – The midfielder was forced off in tears, replaced by Benjamin Bouchouari.
- 28’ – Irvin Cardona Hits the Bar – A free-kick from Zuriko Davitashvili found Cardona, whose header rattled the crossbar.
- 38’ – Florian Tardieu (1-2) – Saint-Étienne Fight Back!
After a poor clearance, Cardona recycled possession, crossing for Tardieu, who unleashed a stunning half-volley past Guillaume Restes. Hope rekindled! - 45+3’ – Magri Denied by Larsonneur – A breakaway chance for Magri, but the keeper stood tall in a one-on-one.
HT: Saint-Étienne 1-2 Toulouse – A chaotic half; Toulouse clinical, Saint-Étienne desperate.
Second Half: Saint-Étienne’s Valiant Comeback Falls Short
The second half was end-to-end, with Saint-Étienne pushing hard but Toulouse landing the killer blow.
⚽ 58’ – Yann Gboho (1-3) – Toulouse Restore Their Two-Goal Cushion
A failed clearance fell to Gboho, who swiveled and curled a beauty into the far corner. Heartbreak for Les Verts.
⚽ 63’ – Dylan Batubinsika (2-3) – Late Hope for Saint-Étienne
A corner from Davitashvili was powerfully headed home by Batubinsika, setting up a grandstand finish.
Key Late Drama:
- 64’ – Larsonneur’s Miraculous Save – Kamanzi’s header from point-blank range was somehow kept out by the keeper.
- 87’ – Shavy Babicka Misses a Sitter – A counter-attack left Babicka one-on-one, but he blazed wide.
- 90+5’ – Last-Gasp Chaos – Saint-Étienne threw everyone forward, but Toulouse held firm.
FT: Saint-Étienne 2-3 Toulouse – Relegation confirmed for Les Verts.
League Impact: Saint-Étienne’s 12-Year Top-Flight Stay Ends
- Saint-Étienne (17th, 30 pts) – RELEGATED
- First drop to Ligue 2 since 2004.
- Failed to overtake Le Havre (16th, 31 pts), who won 3-2 at Strasbourg away.
- Toulouse (10th, 42 pts) – Strong Finish
- Best away record in mid-table.
- Young squad shows promise for next season.
Tactical Analysis: Why Saint-Étienne Collapsed
Saint-Étienne (4-3-3): High Risk, No Reward
- Strengths:
- Aggressive pressing early in phases.
- Tardieu’s leadership in midfield.
- Weaknesses:
- Defensive disorganization high line exploited.
- Injuries disrupted momentum (Moueffek, Bernauer).
Toulouse (3-4-3): Ruthless on the Break
- Strengths:
- Gboho & King’s movement tore Saint-Étienne apart.
- Solid defensive structure Canvot & Cresswell dominant.
- Weaknesses:
- Late game complacency nearly cost them.
Man of the Match: Yann Gboho (Toulouse)
- 1 goal, 1 assist.
- Constant threat with dribbling & creativity.
- Key in transitions, unlocking Saint-Étienne’s defense.
Key Stats & Curiosities
- Saint-Étienne failed to win back-to-back games all season.
- Toulouse’s 3rd straight win at Geoffroy-Guichard.
- First time since 2004 both Saint-Étienne & Metz are relegated in the same year.
Final Verdict: A Night of Agony & Ecstasy
For Saint-Étienne, this was the end of an era. For Toulouse, a bright future beckons. The final whistle at Geoffroy-Guichard marked heartbreak for one, triumph for the other such is the brutal beauty of football.
News cover image by: sofoot.com
