Sochaux vs Grenoble

Frapolli's mass substitutions around the hour mark — introducing six replacements including Mion — disrupted Grenoble's rhythm. The side that had been competitive in the first half lost its shape, and Sochaux's second-string XI grew into the game. The penalty, conceded by a player who had only been on the pitch for 18 minutes, was a direct consequence of that tactical disruption.

Kapit Djoco (Sochaux) — The striker kept his composure from 12 yards for the only goal of the match. Named on Sochaux's official channels as a notable performer, he demonstrated the poacher's instinct that will be valuable in Ligue 2.

Kotto Kotto (Sochaux) — The winger was the second-half catalyst. He won the penalty with a driving run, then almost scored himself from a corner. His direct running was the sharpest attacking threat of the entire match.

Maxime Jeannin (Sochaux) — The first-half goalkeeper made a vital stop from Kyliann Fofana just before half-time, preserving a clean sheet that allowed Hognon's second-half changes to settle.

Mathieu Mion (Grenoble) — The substitute conceded the decisive penalty within 18 minutes of coming on. A learning moment for a young player in pre-season conditions.

The match was a typical early pre-season affair: competitive in midfield but lacking sharpness in the final third. The only goal came from a penalty, and the second-half XI created the most dangerous moments. Sochaux's first half held the better of possession without turning it into high-quality chances. Grenoble's best spell came in the minutes before half-time, when they created the one clear save Jeannin had to make. The 1-0 scoreline, a single-goal margin from a spot-kick, accurately reflects a game where neither side could find a finishing edge in open play.

Sochaux have now won both of their pre-season friendlies (the other against Zurich, result unspecified). They return to Ligue 2 after a season in the third tier and will be encouraged by a clean sheet against a division rival. Grenoble's record stands at two wins, one draw and one defeat across their summer programme. They face Troyes on 25 July in their next friendly.

A functional pre-season workout that told both managers more about squad depth than first-choice combinations. Djoco's penalty settled a game where the decisive difference was composure from 12 yards. Sochaux's second-string outplayed Grenoble's rotated side in the second half — a positive sign for Hognon as he builds a Ligue 2 squad.