Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Dijon cruised to a 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Progres Niederkorn as Baptiste Ridira's 4-3-3 system delivered three second-half goals in 15 minutes at DFCO Park.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Dijon controlled the first half from the first whistle, creating a string of chances inside the opening 20 minutes. Adel Lembezat was denied by Progres goalkeeper Andre Barrela (18'), and Hatem Mimoune fired over after a defensive error had gifted Ntamack a clear sight of goal (26').
Progres had their best moment of the half when Ken Corral hit the crossbar after getting behind the Dijon defence (28'), but the hosts kept pushing. Yanis Barka forced a save from Barrela (38') before the deadlock was finally broken: Barka's shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Alexis Ntamack pounced on the rebound to slot into the near post (40').
The second half began at a higher tempo. Tyris Dong, introduced at the break, needed only four minutes to make his mark. Lembezat found him in the box and Dong's crisp finish made it 2-0 (49').
Lembezat turned provider again moments later, releasing Hatem Mimoune who beat Barrela one-on-one for 3-0 (52'). The same player won a penalty after being hauled down in the area, and Julien Domingues stepped up to convert from 12 yards (64').
Progres reduced the deficit when Ibrahim Baradji scored a penalty of his own after a handball in the Dijon box (72'), but the visitors never threatened a comeback.
The Turning Point
Ridira's decision to switch to a 4-3-3 shape — a departure from the systems used in Dijon's earlier pre-season outings — created the platform for sustained pressure. The formation allowed Dijon to control the middle third and freed Lembezat to operate as a creative hub. His two assists in the opening six minutes of the second half effectively killed the contest.
Key Performers
Adel Lembezat — The standout performer. Involved in everything positive Dijon did going forward, providing assists for Dong and Mimoune in quick succession and testing Barrela twice in the first half.
Hatem Mimoune — Scored one and won the penalty for the fourth. Tireless running from the left side of the front three, a constant threat in transition.
Alexis Ntamack — Opened the scoring with a poacher's finish and nearly added a second moments later. His movement off the ball caused problems throughout.
Tyris Dong — Introduced at half-time and scored within four minutes of his arrival. A clinical cameo.
By the Numbers — Interpreted
Dijon's 4-1 scoreline reflects a first half of territorial dominance without clinical edge (1-0 from multiple clear chances) followed by a ruthlessly efficient 15-minute spell after the break. Progres's only meaningful attacking moments were Corral's first-half crossbar and the penalty won when the game was already decided. The 4-3-3 shape created overloads in wide areas that the Luxembourg side could not contain once Dijon raised the tempo.
What It Means
Dijon's third win in four pre-season friendlies builds momentum ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, during which they will compete in the Championnat National (Ligue 3). Ridira has experimented with multiple formations across the pre-season programme, and the 4-3-3 looked the most convincing yet.
Progres Niederkorn, preparing for the Luxembourg National Division season, suffered their second defeat in two pre-season friendlies after a 1-0 loss to Mainz 05 II on 4 July.
Dijon's next fixture is away to Bourg-en-Bresse (FBBP 01) on Wednesday 22 July.
Verdict
A completely deserved win built on first-half control and a devastating second-half burst. The 4-3-3 experiment worked, and Dijon's attacking quartet clicked. Pre-season caveats apply — Progres offered little resistance — but the signs for Ridira are encouraging.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 19 Jul 2026