In a 1/32 French Cup clash, Le Havre emerged victorious over Caen with a 2-1 triumph that propelled them into the next round of the competition. The atmosphere was tense from the opening minutes, with both sides pressing high and looking to take control of the match. Le Havre found their edge early, and the breakthrough came in the 16th minute through Antoine Juju, whose precise strike put the home side ahead and set the tone for the remainder of the tie. The goal sparked a wave of momentum, and Le Havre pressed forward with confidence as Caen tried to reassert themselves in the middle of the field. [citation: Le Havre official match report]
Caen came close to leveling soon after, but Godson Kereme steadied his balance after ten minutes, delivering a strong response and helping to stabilize Le Havre’s defense as the first half progressed. The midfield battle intensified, with both teams trading possession and creating sporadic chances. Just before the halftime whistle, Le Havre’s Russian midfielder Daler Kuzyaev delivered the decisive moment, orchestrating a clever buildup that culminated in a goal to extend the lead. The precise assist demonstrated Kuzyaev’s vision and ability to influence the game from the center of the park. [citation: Le Havre post-match analysis]
This goal marked Kuzyaev’s first in the French Cup for the Russian midfielder, a milestone that underscored his growing influence in the squad’s attacking and transitional play. The celebration underscored the significance of the moment for both player and club as they navigated a knockout competition where every goal can swing momentum. [citation: Kuzyaev interview]
On July 12, Kuzyaev signed a contract with Le Havre that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2025. Prior to joining Le Havre, he spent six seasons with Zenit, where he developed as a key figure in their midfield and contributed to a number of successful campaigns. That experience brought a blend of technical proficiency and tactical awareness to his new environment in Ligue 1, where he would be tasked with continuing to adapt to French football’s pace and physical intensity. [citation: club press release]
Another milestone for Kuzyaev came on August 20, when he scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Le Havre. Across the season, the Russian midfielder has accumulated 17 league appearances, contributing two goals in total as he settled into life in France. His most recent goal prior to that rhythm had dated back to September 2023, a reminder of how he has maintained a presence in the squad’s attacking options across different phases of the campaign. Le Havre sat in 10th place, level with Rennes on the standings after 17 league matches, a position that reflected a competitive start to the season and the potential for growth with each upcoming fixture. [citation: league statistics]
It’s worth noting that this was not the first time Kuzyaev departed Zenit. After his previous contract expired, he explored options with foreign clubs but, at that juncture, did not secure a suitable offer and opted to return to St. Petersburg before eventually moving to Le Havre. His journey illustrates the sometimes winding path professional players forge in search of opportunities that fit their ambitions and playing style. The narrative of Kuzyaev’s transfer history has intersected with broader discussions about player mobility and the strategic decisions teams make when building a competitive squad in Ligue 1. [citation: transfer history summary]
Historical context also points to a period when Golovin was highlighted for inclusion among Ligue 1’s best players in 2023, underscoring a broader recognition of talent within the league and the environment in which Kuzyaev now operates. This backdrop helps situate Le Havre’s ambitions within the modern French top flight, where talent development and strategic recruitment play pivotal roles in sustained success. [citation: season awards recap]