St-Etienne star in French classic

European hopes
Les Verts, whose return to continental competition after a 20-year absence was cut short by a UEFA Intertoto Cup semi-final defeat by Romanian side CFR Cluj this summer, ended a run of six victories in eight matches for Marseille at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and showed their intention of returning to Europe in 2006/07.

Impressive record
With the best defensive record in French football - seven goals conceded in 12 outings - Elie Baup's St-Etienne impressed with their attacking prowess on Sunday night. Pascal Feindouno scored their 23rd-minute opener, and although Franck Ribéry equalised for the visitors, David Hellebuyck's 84th-minute strike sealed the points.

Lucky breaks
The former Olympique Lyonnais trainee, who also had a stint at Club Atlético de Madrid, was only too delighted to clinch victory. "We were lucky because Marseille had some good spells and could have won this game," said Hellebuyck.

Encouraging defeat
Certainly, Marseille squandered several opportunities on a balmy autumn evening, leaving coach Jean Fernandez to conclude: "It's a blip in our form." Goalkeeper and captain Fabien Barthez added: "Such a defeat is annoying but very encouraging. It shows our team is getting better."

St-Etienne determination
Indeed, most of the 40,000 fans at 'Le Chaudron' could see the enormous potential of the Marseille team, not least home coach Baup. "Marseille are the best side we have played this season from a physical point of view," he said. "We believed we could win until the end. That was our decisive quality."

Convivial atmosphere
As well as nice weather, the game was contested in a convivial atmosphere, with a special mock kick-off being staged by children wearing the shirts of both sides - an effort by French supporters' association Foot Citoyen to remind young fans of the positive values of the game.

Diang injured
The spirit of harmonious competition was not always evident on the field, however, and Marseille striker Mamadou Niang may not have too many kind words for St-Etienne after a challenge left him with a sprained ankle which forced him to limp off.

Tiring run
Whether he will be available for the midweek French League Cup tie against FC Girondins de Bordeaux remains a mystery, but having taken on Paris Saint-Germain FC, PFC CSKA Moskva and the revived St-Etienne in the last three matches, Fernandez may think his big stars need a break anyway.