Toulouse Crushes Metz with a Dominant Performance

The return of Ligue 1 after the international break delivered an absolute spectacle at the Stadium de Toulouse. The home side, determined to get back to winning ways, didn’t take even two minutes to open the scoring. Frank Magri, taking advantage of a massive error from Metz’s defense, fired a powerful shot to make it 1-0. Just five minutes later, Magri was brought down in the box, earning a penalty that Aron Dønnum calmly converted to make it 2-0.

The start was a lethal blow for the visitors, who failed to react. Metz looked completely off rhythm, unable to cope with Toulouse’s intensity, as the home team controlled possession, pressed high, and never let up. Every Toulouse advance was a threat; the crowd knew it and celebrated every recovery as if it were a goal.

Metz Nightmare: Mistakes, Red Card, and Frustration

If anything could go wrong for Metz, it got worse. Stéphane Le Mignan’s side fell apart before halftime. Sadibou Sané had a night to forget: first committing several unnecessary fouls, and then being sent off at 45+2’ for a harsh tackle on Cásseres Jr., leaving his team with ten men.

Before that moment, the visitors had barely troubled goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, who responded authoritatively to a shot from Habib Diallo. The rest was sheer suffering: sloppy passes, lack of ideas, and a defense growing increasingly tense. The first half ended with jeers from the away fans and deafening applause from the home crowd.

Gboho and Cresswell Seal the Victory

The second half became a formality. With a man advantage and control of the score, Toulouse eased off the pace slightly but never lost dominance. Martínez’s substitutions injected fresh energy into the attack, and in the 79th minute, the highlight of the night arrived: Yann Gboho connected a spectacular volley off a long throw-in to make it 3-0.

Five minutes later, English defender Charlie Cresswell joined the party with a perfect header from a corner, sealing the 4-0 final score. The stadium erupted. Toulouse delivered their best performance of the season, making it clear that their ambition goes well beyond merely avoiding relegation.

Toulouse Strengthens; Metz Continues to Struggle

While Toulouse gains confidence from this dominant win and climbs the table, Metz’s situation grows increasingly bleak. The Garnets have yet to secure their first Ligue 1 victory and now face discipline issues and a defense that can’t hold firm.

Metz’s next challenge will be a major test against LOSC Lille, increasing the pressure. Toulouse, on the other hand, travels with morale sky-high: Carles Martínez’s project is starting to flourish, and the team shows identity, rhythm, and ambition, proving that Les Violets are back and they want more.