The sale of scarves and the television cameras at the entrance to Viouzou reminded everyone of the approaching deadline. But before going to challenge PSG in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, Wednesday evening, FC Espaly was determined to give itself some fresh air in the championship. Unfortunately the coin fell on the wrong side again, with an equalizing goal conceded at the end of the game.
Faced with the second, Lionel Vaillant had warned during the week that one should “not cheat” to hope for something. Coach Espaviot has been heard. His troops took the match head on, putting in the intensity necessary to gain the upper hand in the duels. The Red and Black were the first to strike on goal. Kévis Gjeci, with an attempt at the edge of the area, forced Ronan Jay to work. The Isère goalkeeper intervened again, eight minutes later, in a transition phase where Meroine El Hammiri tried his luck at ground level.
Espaly dominated the first act
The offensive players in turn tried to break the deadlock. With, first, a too crushed shot from Gabay Allaigre. Then two attempts from Ichane, with a header and a very long distance shot.
For his part, Bourgoin struggled to create big opportunities. But the visitors accelerated at the end of the first act. A saving return from Lilian Curt was needed to prevent an attacker from appearing alone against Jordan Etienne.
This alert did not cool the ardor of Christian Perbet’s protégés. They came back with big intentions in the second half. Mathis Mezaber lit the first fuse on his left side, but he did not catch the frame. Unlike Maxence Fournel, in the process. The striker was well positioned at the far post to push the ball into the back of the net (58th, 1-0), after a long cross from the right.
Espaly once again joined in money time
Unfortunately, as too often this season, FC Espaly was not able to maintain this result. Jordan Etienne, however, did what was necessary to try to repel the Berjallian attacks. In the same action, he stopped two shots from Bozkurt, before giving in on the third attempt (83rd, 1-1). In added time, the Espaviots had the match point. But Kevin Portal’s shot was well stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.
Christian Perbet’s club therefore had a fourth consecutive draw in the league. Each time, the Rouge et Noir conceded the equalizer in the second half, after leading the score. “We are having trouble tipping the balance of power in our favor and that is the problem of the moment,” conceded Lionel Vaillant after the match. However, we had the match we wanted, being strong. Bourgoin did not Didn’t have many chances.”
If the technician was pleased to have held the prize against a top player in the group, he regretted the final result, since his team found itself in a relegation position. Despite this, the Espaviots should have no trouble remobilizing for the big meeting on Wednesday (9 p.m.), against Paris Saint-Germain.
