For its first match of 2022, FC Metz welcomed its neighbor Strasbourg, in front of 5,000 spectators. Unfortunately, its public could only witness a logical defeat against an opponent who seemed more solid in the game. In the standings, the Messins lose a place after the derby and fall back to a relegation position (19th), behind Lorient .
The block was holding on
However, in the first period, the Garnets managed to maintain the goalless draw, despite several Alsatian assaults early in the game. Gradually, the game is balanced and the two teams are equal, until return to the locker room back to back.
FC Metz crack
But upon returning from the locker room, Ludovic Ajorque made his size speak to open the scoring with a header, dominating in the air Thomas Delaine (50th). Behind, alone a shot on target is proposed by the Garnets to try to get back to the score. The break will even be validated in stoppage time by Jean-Eudes Aholou (91st).
The pre-match
The eleven
FC Metz should line up in 5-2-3, with the first tenure of several players: the young and promising William Mickelbrencis in the right lane, the rookie Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik in central defense (alongside Amadou Mbengue preferred to Sikou Niakaté) as well as Warren Tchimbembé in the midfield (in support of Boubacar Traoré whose role could resemble that of Farid Boulaya).
Despite his fears, Frédéric Antonetti was able to register twenty names on the scoresheet thanks to the reinforcements of youngsters Lenny Lacroix and Noah Zilliox. Opa Nguette and Papa Ndiaga Yade, affected by the Covid, are restored.
Absent: Centonze, N’Doram and Udol (injured); Alakouch, Boulaya, Bronn, Kouyaté, Maïga, Oukidja and Sarr (CAN)
Direct radio
Pre-match from 2:30 p.m., kick-off at 3 p.m. with Thomas Jeangeorge and Gaby Dalvit (at the stadium) and Arthur Blanc (in the studio). React live in the post-match, from 5 p.m., on 03 87 52 13 13.