Football (Coupe des Pyrénées): the Croisés de Bayonne fall with honors against lAsmur

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Marc Le Moel, coach of Croisés de Bayonne: « On had the best chances. The result was decided by small details, but we must not forget that we play one division below Asmur. I am proud of what the team produced. It was a test for us, we wanted to see if we could compete against a strong Regional 1 team. It’s an encouraging match for the future. »

Three years after beating the same opponent, the Labourdins, considered outsiders on paper, wanted to seize their opportunity. And as in any respectable final, both teams started with a cautious first round. Despite dominating the first half, Croisés did not manage to convert numerous attempts, including long shots and crosses that were not on target. Fouled by the Béarn defense, Iralour Etcheverry earned a penalty that Gounin failed to convert. Against the run of play, Asmur managed to score first, with a comical center-shot goal by Lagui, just before half-time (1-0, 43rd minute).

Bayonne pushes

As soon as they returned from halftime, Bayonne tried to react. Found perfectly with a pass from Coloneaux at the penalty spot, Iralour Etcheverry saw his header narrowly miss the Béarn goal (46th minute). Marc Le Moel’s team continued to show their offensive ambitions but struggled to find the back of the net against the solid Couralis in goal.

The difference in division was not noticeable in this match as the Basque side launched continuous attacks, while Asmur tried to double their lead on counterattacks. Ultimately, Bayonne couldn’t find the back of the net and lost with honor by a narrow margin (1-0). This performance gives hope for the remainder of the championship.