2024 will remain a memorable year for ASSE, marked by ups and downs. The Greens have experienced a rise in the first division and a delicate start to the season. A look back at the 10 most beautiful Saint-Etienne achievements of the year!
At the start of 2024, the club seemed condemned to vegetate in Ligue 2. A crazy second half of the season offered an unexpected comeback, snatched away from Metz in the play-off. ASSE therefore made its return to Ligue 1 after two years of absence.
However, this new stage was not easy. The Stéphanois, currently play-offs with only 4 wins in 15 matches, are struggling to establish themselves in the elite. With mixed results, the new leaders will have to act quickly to ensure maintenance.
A free kick to kick off the year
ASSE did no better than a 0-0 against Laval for the first meeting of 2024. The Greens travel to Pau, 10 days after this meeting. The match at Nouste Camp is boring. Dylan Chambost will offer the only breakthrough of the match on a free kick. The now ex-Stéphanois cleaned the top corner of the Pau goalkeeper, Kamara.
Mason for the most beautiful goal of the year?
If we had to elect the best goal for ASSE in 2024, Yvann Maçon would be a big contender for the title. The Saint-Etienne side has only scored one this year, against Troyes. The Guadeloupean did not ask himself any questions 25 meters from the goals.
His shot ended in the top corner of Alemdar's cage. The former Dunkirk player participated in the Greens' 5-0 success against ESTAC.
Nadé moves into center forward
April 6 marked the celebration of ASSE's 90th anniversary by several groups of supporters. The match played by the Greens against Concarneau did not make a huge impression. Olivier Dall'Oglio's men won 1-0 thanks to Mickaël Nadé.
The Saint-Etienne defender had crossed the entire field to participate in the action he had initiated. Perfectly served by Sissoko, Irvin Cardona plays the goalkeeper and the Breton defense. He then finds Nadé, who just has to complete a superb collective action.
Cardona overthrows Bordeaux
While Saint-Étienne is at 10 and losing 1-0 against Bordeaux, Irvin Cardona decides to change the destiny of this match. He scored the equalizing goal in the 91st minute before sending the Cauldron into a daze.
Three minutes after the equalizer, ASSE had another opportunity. Mahmoud Bentayg sees his cross pushed back into the feet of Cardona. The former Brestois controls and lobs Johnson. The dive of the player loaned by Augsburg ends its course in the Bordeaux goal. What an inspiration from Irvin Cardona!
A deviation to open the doors to Ligue 1?
ASSE hosts Caen for the 35th day of the championship. A victory would put pressure on Angers since the Greens would provisionally take 2nd place. Aïmen Moueffek quickly launches hostilities.
On a pass from Léo Pétrot, Irvin Cardona skillfully heels for the Moroccan, who adjusts the Caen goalkeeper. Saint-Étienne will then hold the 1-0 and see Angers lose. Three days from the end, ASSE is 2nd in Ligue 2 thanks to a superb action concluded by Moueffek.
Mbuku all in balance
ASSE will only take 2 points out of 9 possible during the last 3 days. The Greens are therefore forced to play the playoffs, then possibly the play-offs against Metz. To do this, we must get rid of Rodez, ASSE's beast since its descent into Ligue 2. ODO's men lead 1-0 and hope to seal their success.
Entering the game 10 minutes from time, Nathanaël Mbuku scored a second goal in added time. The former Rémois plays with the Ruthenian defense before adjusting Jaouen with a subtle dive. The player on loan from Augsburg played a balancing act to score this goal before collapsing to the ground with his shot.
Cafaro offers ASSE's first success in Ligue 1
We are on the 4th day of Ligue 1, ASSE hosts Lille and hopes to win their 1st match of the season. The Greens started strong thanks to a sombrero from Zuriko Davitashvili on his opponent. The Georgian then crosses for Mathieu Cafaro. The former Rémois adjusts Chevalier's top corner on a slightly deflected shot by a Mastiff.
Auxerre swept away by a Georgian storm
For its second success of the season, ASSE takes on AJ Auxerre in the Chaudron. Zuriko Davitashvili scores his first goal in Saint-Etienne colors, playing off his opponents. The Georgian international wanders through the opposing defense before finding Léon's top corner. The former Bordeaux player will add 2 goals to this achievement to score a hat-trick.
Zuriko Davitashvili alone against everyone
October is Zuriko Davitashvili’s month. The Georgian scored all of Saint-Etienne's goals during this month. The ASSE striker offers himself a nice achievement in Angers. Number 22 sees his shot from outside the area slightly deflected to finish in Fofana's top corner.
Bouchouari marks his return to form
Last November, ASSE faced Montpellier in a match considered a turning point in the race to remain. Both teams are struggling to be dangerous. At the start of the second half, Benjamin Bouchouari took advantage of a mix-up in the area. The Montpellier residents are unable to break free. The Moroccan took the opportunity to send a superb half-volley into Lecomte's net.
The year 2024 offered us some lovely achievements, in addition to the emotions experienced. ASSE had the pleasure of finding the elite again after two years of waiting. This season, the club is now struggling not to leave it. We hope that 2025 will be an opportunity to score superb goals again to help the Greens maintain their position.