Hein's Heroics Turn to Heartbreak at Stade Saint-Symphorien
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 77/100. Metz snatched a vital 2-0 victory over Lens at Stade Saint-Symphorien, but Gauthier Hein's late dismissal transforms triumph into a pyrrhic win that could define their survival battle.
Hein's Explosive 87-90 Minute Masterclass
For 87 minutes, Metz laboured at Stade Saint-Symphorien, a team drowning at 18th place with just 5 points from 10 matches. Then Gauthier Hein erupted. A coolly converted penalty at 87 minutes shattered the deadlock. Three minutes later, with I. Sane's assist from the bench, Hein struck again—a finish that seemed to seal a miraculous escape. The intensity at Stade Saint-Symphorien peaked as Metz's travelling support roared their salvation into existence.
The Cruel Twist: Glory Becomes Infamy
But football punishes excess. At 90+2, as Hein wheeled away celebrating his brace, the referee's hand reached for red. The hero became the villain. Lens, despite controlling 54% possession, never found their rhythm. Robin Risser's four saves proved insufficient against Metz's late balance shift. Koffi Kouao orchestrated a defensive wall that turned Stade Saint-Symphorien into a fortress, limiting Lens to just 10 shots.
The Data Reveals a Lopsided Contest
Metz dominated the stakes with 16 shots (7 on target, 3.42 xG), whilst Lens managed only 10 attempts (2 on target, 1.32 xG). It's the story of desperation meeting precision—and then self-destruction. For Metz, this win breaks a devastating run and offers survival hope. For Lens, sitting 6th with 19 points, it's a missed chance to cement their elite positioning. The red card will haunt Metz far longer than the scoreline will satisfy them.
Key Questions
How did Gauthier Hein's red card impact the match?
The 90+2 dismissal robbed Metz's triumph of its shine. While they won 2-0, Hein faces a suspension that will cripple them in upcoming survival-defining fixtures.
How dramatic was Hein's late double?
Extraordinary. A penalty at 87 minutes, then a second at 90—Metz transformed a probable draw into a stunning victory in three minutes of sheer intensity.
What was the impact of substitute I. Sane?
Game-changing. Introduced at 81 minutes, Sane provided the assist for Hein's clincher, shifting the balance decisively in Metz's favour.
Why is this match rated 77/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 77/100 places this match in the "Highly Entertaining" category.
