Guingamp – Rodez: match summary

The virtues displayed are not always the same but the dynamic continues. Friday, against Rodez, En Avant Guingamp scored a third success in eight days. This one was not always exciting but the defensive qualities presented speak a lot about the progress of a team which, in the past, did not often know how to win like this. Everything was not perfect, against the Ruthenois who often shine with their ability to thwart their opponents, but this victory confirms that this EAG has the weapons to join the fight for the Top 5. It is now there, d Elsewhere, before its main competitors face each other this Saturday.

Labeau in strong

Unlike Tuesday, in the Coupe de France, against Sochaux, this time the Bretons took the match from the right end. Launched from deep by Labeau, Hemia went off alone to score his seventh goal of the season in Ligue 2 to ideally kick off his team's evening (1-0, 5'). This achievement, however, did not allow Sylvain Ripoll's players to establish any form of domination. Quite the contrary. Embarrassed on their first restart, they were often forced to fall back behind a direct play and gave the ball back too easily to the Ruthenois. The latter easily found the lanes and took over the opposing half of the field. Basilio notably intervened in front of Nkada (17') and only a few counterattacks allowed the Guingampais to exist, like these attempts by Guendouz (29') and Labeau (35').

Luvambo to conclude

With this third meeting in a week, the Costa Ricans gave the feeling of lacking a little energy. And they endured the opposing game, relying on a defense which bent but did not break. A tough, complicated, tactical match that they never completely mastered, reflecting the few situations they found throughout the game. Deprived of the ball, dominated in intensity, they were often on the verge of breakdown. And yet. Despite less brilliant technical leaders, they shone with formidable efficiency when Guendouz broke through the Aveyron defense to serve Labeau (2-0, 71'). A well-paid advance, in the end, as the Costarmoricans endured, but it rewarded an extremely solid defensive block. And Luvambo's third goal, in stoppage time (90'+4), finally concluded in style a performance that was less brilliant but full of courage.

The technical sheet

BUTS. Guingamp : Hemia (5‘ ), Labeau (71’), Luvambo (90’+ 3).

Warnings. Guingamp: Luvambo (90'); Rodez: Taïbi (90').

GUINGAMP : Basilio – Maronnier, Gomis, Nair, Ourega – Guendouz (Mendes, 85' ), Louiserre (c., Phiri, 76'), Sidibé, Picard – Hemia (Touzghar, 90'+ 4), Labeau (Luvambo, 76' ). Coach: S. Ripoll. Not entered: Niasse (g.), Lemonnier, Riou.

RODEZ : Mpasi – Laurent, Cissokho (Corredor, 90' + 2), Mambo – Galves (Bouchouari, 75'), Younoussa (Mazou-Sacko, 83'), Cadiou, Taïbi, Abdallah (c.) – Nkada (Bentayeb, 90 '+ 2), Baldé (Verdier, 75'). Coach: D. Santini. Not entered into play: Cibois (l.), Ngouyamsa.