Recap: Benjamin Bouchouari Lifts ASSE Over Montpellier

Saint-Étienne have won two of its last three matches after securing a 1-0 victory over Montpellier Hérault SC on Saturday night at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

In the first half, the two sides played an evenly contested match as ASSE recorded five total shots while Montpellier countered with four. Despite these efforts from the two attacks, neither side could break the scoreless deadlock, so the match went into halftime 0-0.

After the break, it didn't take long for Les Verts to take a 1-0 lead as Benjamin Bouchouari scored in the 47th minute to break the deadlock. Even with the early goal from Saint-Étienne, it was another evenly played 45 minutes as the home side had six total shots while the visitors recorded seven.

Montpellier had chances to get back into the match after being awarded two penalties, but both were overturned following VAR reviews. Olivier Dall'Oglio and his team would hold onto their lead and secure all three points from the match.

Following the loss, Arnaud Nordin spoke to Montpellier's official platform and noted the squad's frustration with this result, but there are positives that the team can take away as they attempt to get out of the direct relegation zone.

"It’s definitely frustrating. Overall, I think we played a solid game. We had our chances, just lacked a bit of finishing. We’ll work on that to make sure we take them next time."

"I still think we showed a good side to our game. We got caught out on a counterattack. Are we going to get through this? Of course, we will. If we keep the same mindset, we’ll pick up points, grind through it, and that’s what matters most."

ASSE will aim to maintain their impressive form next Saturday against Stade Rennais and a win over Rennes can allow Les Verts to inch closer toward a European spot for next season.

Montpellier will look to return to the win column when they face LOSC Lille as they trail Angers SCO by three points for the playoff relegation spot.

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