FCR Breaks Its Jinx at Villefranche

Dominating the match and posing a greater threat than its opponent, FCR secured a well-deserved and impressive victory at Villefranche, in a stadium where it had previously struggled.

The Rouen side got off to a strong start, creating several chances right from the opening whistle. Péan deflected a shot by Bassin (3′), Karamoko missed the target (6′), Sommer hit the post, and moments later, Tchokounté’s header sailed over the crossbar (6′). After these chances, Rouen could have been punished quickly. On Villefranche’s first attack, De Lima was in a good shooting position in the box but was blocked. Rouen then controlled the first half and remained the more dangerous side. Lamgahez headed a cross from Karamoko just over the bar (18′). Tramoni’s attempt was gathered on the ground by Péan (25′). The Villefranche goalkeeper was once again the quickest to react inside his six-meter box, stepping in to clear the ball after a scramble following a corner kick (42′). Dominant but ineffective, the Red Devils headed into the locker room tied with Villefranche.

After the break, Rouen’s dominance was finally rewarded. Tramoni’s perfect cross was met with a fine header by Tchokounté (0-1, 51′). Leading on the scoreboard and in control of the match, FCR then managed their lead. Except for a shot by Piquionne, which Maraval ultimately saved without trouble (78′), the Red Devils were never truly threatened. And they even added a second goal later in the afternoon. Sent deep, Traoré dribbled past Péan and scored into the empty net (0-2, 81′). The match was decided. FCR secured its third straight victory this season—the first ever at Armand Chouffet Stadium, a venue where they had previously struggled.

Match Report
Friday, August 14, 2025
Stade de la Source
FC Villefranche – FC Rouen 1899: 2-0 (0-0)

Referee: Mr. Bovolenta.

Goals for Rouen: Tchokounté (51′), Traoré (81′).

Yellow cards for Rouen: Sommer (36′), Traoré (45+2′); for Villefranche: De Lima (55′), Etoga (61′), Tshibuabua (85′).

FC Villefranche: S. Péan – R. Laspalles, M. Tshibuabua, B. Moltenis, S. Ouedraogo (M. Etuin, 61′) – M. Cachbach (c), P. Limon (F. Ondoa, 71′), L. Etoga (J-P. Tiehi, 71′) – M. De Lima (Louzif, 61′), L. Piquionne, A. Diakité (Tade, 61′).

Coach: Fabien Pujo.

FC Rouen 1899: A. Maraval– J. Gaspar, Z. Lamgahez, F. Mendy, C. Bassin (capt.) – M. Gakapa (S. Traoré, 34′, M. Borne, 89′), B. Camara – L. Tramoni (S. Diaby, 72′), N. Sommer (A. Touré, 72′), I. Karamoko – M. Tchokounté (J. Viana, 89′)

Head Coach: Régis Brouard.