A crazy night for FCR in Valenciennes

After an epic finish, FCR secured a magnificent victory in Valenciennes. Rouen remains undefeated after four games and sits at the top of the table.

The Red Devils had a strong first 20 minutes, but failed to create any chances despite several corners and promising crosses. The first chance fell to Valenciennes. Temperton made a good save from Baghdadi’s low shot (20′). FCR responded fifteen minutes later. Ba-Sy played in Faye, who shot at the VA goalkeeper Louchet (34′). Rouen were finally rewarded for their good first half just before the break. Benzia scored again with a 25-meter strike (0-1, 43′)!

Rouen went into halftime with the lead and held on to it until the final minutes of the match… which were crazy! Valenciennes, who had hit the bar (73′), first equalized with a penalty converted by Ipiélé (1-1, 86′). Rocha, on a pass from Egny, gave FCR a one-goal lead three minutes later (1-2, 89′). But VA equalized again through Boissier (2-2, 91′). Was it going to end in a draw? Not at all! Rocha scored with a superb volley to give the Red Devils the win (2-3, 94′). It was an epic finish and a superb victory before we meet our fans at Diochon next Saturday!

Match report
Friday, August 22, 2025
Stade du Hainaut
Valenciennes FC – FC Rouen 1899: 2-3 (0-1)
Referee: Mr. Henry.

Goalscorers for Rouen: Benzia (43′), Rocha (89′, 94′); Valenciennes: Ipiélé (pen, 86′), Boissier (91′).

Yellow cards for Rouen: Abi (83′), Mendy (85′), Brouard (87′), Bezzekhami (90′), Bassin (90′); Valenciennes: Landre (50′).

Sochaux: Jean Louchet – Ahmed Diomandé, Loick Landre, Romain Thomas (cap.), Derrick Abu (Koum, 58′) – Mabrouk Rouai (Boissier, 58′), Alexandre Coeff, Samy Baghdadi (Takaoka, 58′) – Stredair Appuah (Courtet, 71′), Alain Ipiélé (D. Diomandé, 87′), El Hadary Raheriniaina.

Substitutes: Alexi Koum, Rémy Boissier, Daou Diomandé, Gaetan Courtet, Rento Takaoka.

Coach: Stéphane Moulin

FC Rouen 1899: Axel Temperton – Dany Goprou, Sofyane Bouzamoucha, Formose Mendy – Nassim Titebah (Bezzekhami, 56′), Enzo Genton (Egny, 78′), Mustapha Benzia, Clément Bassin (cap.) – Kenny Rocha, Sérigne Faye (Abi, 56′), Amadou Ba-Sy (Fuss, 56′).

Substitutes: Omar Bezzekhami, El Hadji Guiry Egny, Charles Abi, Valentin Fuss, Raphael Gerbeaud.

Coach: Régis Brouard.