In the French top-tier, Le Havre secured a 3-1 home victory over Lyon, delivering a strong statement early in the season. The match showcased Le Havre’s attacking intent and resilience, with goals arriving from different phases of play and a clear shift in momentum as the game unfolded. The home side looked organized, pressing high at times and maintaining discipline in defense to withstand Lyon’s pockets of pressure and counter opportunities.
Gautier Lloris opened the scoring in the first half, giving Le Havre the lead through a well-timed finish that reflected a team-wide confidence in breaking the opposition’s lines. In the early moments of the second half, Emmanuel Sabbi widened the advantage, capitalizing on buildup through the middle and exploiting space on the flanks. Alexandre Lacazette managed to pull one back for Lyon, briefly reigniting the contest, before Christopher Opery capped the scoring for Le Havre. Opery’s assist was provided by Russian midfielder Daler Kuzyaev, whose initiative and vision helped unlock Lyon’s defense on that decisive sequence.
On July 12, Kuzyaev signed a contract with Le Havre extending his stay until the summer of 2025, marking a notable chapter in his European journey. Before arriving in France, he spent six years with Zenit, contributing in domestic and continental competitions and gaining valuable experience that shaped his subsequent impact at Le Havre. His move underscored Le Havre’s ambition to combine steadiness with creative flair in the middle of the park, aiming to compete consistently at a high level in Ligue 1.
By August 20, Kuzyaev had already opened his Ligue 1 account, delivering a goal that underscored his adaptability and willingness to contribute in different phases of the game. Across 18 Ligue 1 appearances, the Russian midfielder tallied two goals and one assist, highlighting a growing influence on Le Havre’s attacking transitions and control of midfield tempo. The team sat in a joint 10th place with Rennes, collecting 22 points from 18 matches as they prepared for the forthcoming clash with Lorient. This ongoing stretch emphasized Le Havre’s intent to remain competitive across the league’s demanding schedule while integrating Kuzyaev’s experience into their tactical plans.
It is worth noting that Kuzyaev’s career path has seen him leave Zenit more than once and navigate a few productive chapters away from the club. After his previous contract with Zenit concluded, he awaited options from foreign teams but ultimately found a new challenge that would keep him active on the field. This period of transition ultimately led him back to Russia and into a new phase with Le Havre, where his mix of toughness, technique, and strategic understanding continued to influence matches. The broader narrative of his career reflects the mobility and adaptability that modern players often experience as they pursue opportunities across leagues and borders.
Earlier in his professional journey, the player’s career saw significant moves that shaped his development and reputation, including stints with major clubs that helped him refine his game. These experiences contributed to his readiness to contribute meaningfully to Le Havre’s ambitions and to the team’s evolving style of play as they navigated the competitive landscape of Ligue 1.