They may have been the only ones to believe it. In the current period, trailing eight minutes from the end of the match, the Grenoblois found the means to overthrow Bastia in stoppage time. A success, the first since October 18, which does a lot of good for an entire club and on all levels.
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More intensity, commitment and conviction
In view of the context, something had to change in the game of the GF38. At least, the Isère residents put more intensity, commitment and conviction into their very important meeting against the Corsicans. And to continue to innovate, Frédéric Guéguen, the interim coach, had also decided to change organization by banking for the first time this season on a system of three axial defenders with two pistons on the sides, a three-man midfield and two attackers close to each other. It worked initially with the visibly surprised Bastiais who had difficulty adapting and experienced quite a few air holes in their backs. The GF got off to a good start in the game and managed to quickly open the scoring. Valls put Meïssa Ba in orbit on the right side, the center was perfectly taken by Kérouédan for the Breton striker's second goal this season (1-0, 7e).
But Grenoble is a team that is always fragile. The Dauphinois had not led since the victory against Metz on October 18 (2-0) and it was as if they no longer knew how to do it. They backed away, left the ball to the Bastiais who ended up taking advantage of this slow weather. They equalized with an individual feat by Boutrah who reviewed the opposing defense and adjusted Diop (1-1, 36e).
Grenoble with the heart
However, the Isérois are making progress in the game at the start of the year. They tried to insist in the second act to tip the balance in their favor. The Dauphinois attempts were laudable but they remained too timid. The GF38 remained under threat and as nothing is currently working at the foot of the Alps, it suffered a daunting goal. After a free kick (non-existent), Diop tore himself apart on an aerial exit. The ball was moving slowly towards the goals and instead of communicating well, Diarra and Paquiez got in each other's way and let the ball slowly cross the line (1-2, 72e). The fact remains that Grenoble found heart and overthrew the Corsicans. First on a victorious recovery from Sylvestre (2-2, 82e), then on a penalty transformed by Benet, the specialist (3-2, 90e+3). The GF is still alive.
Benoît Tavenot (Bastia coach): “I feel anger more than frustration. We manage to lead 2-1 eight minutes from the end and we lack the maturity to seek victory. More had to be done and the store closed. I am embarrassed by what we produced in our defensive animation when it is usually a strong point. We didn't perform well in this area and I didn't expect that. For the first time this season, it's a match that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. It’s a reminder before the derby against AC Ajaccio. »
Alan Kérouédan (Grenoble, striker) : “This victory feels really good. Everyone needed it at the club: the supporters, the staff, us players and managers. Tonight (read Friday), we were one and it showed. We didn't give up on anything on the pitch. We missed it in certain matches and this evening, it paid off. It's good. My celebration? I spoke with Marama Vahirua (GF38 attackers coach, Editor's note) and what we said will remain between us. I told him I would score and I'm glad I did. And then it's a group celebration. »
