Panichelli's Late Strike Seals Strasbourg's Derby Victory

Pásalo Puntuación Futmetrix: 36/100. The Derby de l'Est delivered its verdict in the 86th minute—Strasbourg snatched three points from Metz at Saint-Symphorien, announcing their title ambitions with surgical precision.

Strasbourg's Intensity Suffocates Metz

From the opening whistle, Strasbourg imposed complete Balance. With 62% possession and a barrage of 9 shots to Metz's 2, the visitors transformed the pitch into a siege. Junior Mwanga and Mamadou Sarr forged an impenetrable defensive wall, strangling Metz's attacking ambitions before they could materialise. The home side managed zero shots on target—a damning indictment of their toothlessness.

Bakwa's Impact, Panichelli's Finish

The match's turning point came via the bench. D. Bakwa, introduced at the 55-minute mark, injected attacking urgency Strasbourg needed. In the 86th minute, his incisive cross found J. Panichelli, who broke the deadlock with a composed finish. One moment—that's all it took to shatter Metz's 85-minute resistance and claim the Stakes.

Dominance Rewarded at Last

Strasbourg's control was total: 89% pass accuracy, 0.62 xG versus Metz's 0.30, and Lucas Høgsberg's defence conceding nothing of substance. Metz leaves with zero points, zero goals, and a harsh lesson. Strasbourg departs with three points, a clean sheet, and the swagger of a team that announced itself on day one.