AS Saint-Etienne makes its long-awaited return to Ligue 1, reigniting a fierce rivalry with Lyon, known for its passionate matches. Historically, Lyon has dominated at home, with only two Saint-Etienne victories since 2000. Memorable encounters include Lyon’s 4-0 win in 2006 and a painful 0-1 loss in 2010. Other notable matches feature a thrilling 3-2 victory in 2005, a 3-0 triumph in 2015, and a 2-0 win in their first derby at Groupama Stadium in 2016.
The Return of AS Saint-Etienne to Ligue 1
This season marks the much-anticipated return of AS Saint-Etienne to Ligue 1, rekindling one of the fiercest rivalries in French football. Matches between these two teams are known for their intensity, both on the pitch and among the supporters. Unfortunately, this Sunday, the passionate fans of the Greens will not be able to make their way to the Groupama Stadium. Historically, when playing at home, Lyon has proven to be the stronger side against their rivals. Since 2000, in 21 encounters held in Lyon, Saint-Étienne has managed to secure only two victories, alongside six draws and thirteen defeats. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this iconic rivalry.
Memorable Matches in Derby History
The most notable victory for Lyon in this derby took place on April 30, 2006, with an impressive score of 4-0. At that time, Lyon was basking in glory, having already won the French championship for the fifth consecutive year. This match not only stands as the largest home win for Lyon against Saint-Étienne in the 21st century but also marks a moment of collective celebration. Players like Sydney Govou and Sylvain Wiltord took the game to another level, donning painted faces and vibrant colors in support of their team. The match was a complete triumph for Lyon, as they took the lead early and continued to dominate, culminating in goals from Juninho and Pedretti in the second half.
On the flip side, one of Lyon’s most challenging defeats occurred on September 25, 2010, where they fell 0-1. This match was particularly painful as it marked the first time Saint-Étienne had won at Gerland since 1993. Lyon was struggling in the league at that time, sitting in 17th place, while their rivals were leading Ligue 1. Despite a strong first half from Lyon, they were unable to find the back of the net. A well-executed free kick by Dimitri Payet sealed the fate for Lyon, leading to a chorus of frustration from the home fans and calls for change from the management.
Another remarkable encounter took place on February 26, 2005, when Lyon pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory. The match showcased five goals, a rarity for these derbies. After a promising start where Lyon seemed to have the game in hand, the tides turned as Saint-Étienne clawed back to nearly equalize, adding to the drama and excitement of the matchup.
The last derby held at Gerland on November 8, 2015, ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for Lyon. This match was particularly significant as it was the last at the historic stadium. With standout performances from Mathieu Valbuena and Alexandre Lacazette, who scored a hat-trick, Lyon ensured they left Gerland on a high note.
Finally, on October 2, 2016, in the first derby at the Groupama Stadium, Lyon secured a 2-0 victory. This match was crucial as it marked a turning point for the team, having faced setbacks in both the Champions League and their league campaign. Nabil Fekir and Rachid Ghezzal were instrumental in securing the win, providing the team with a much-needed boost in confidence.