Grenoble 5-2 Villefranche
International Club Friendly | 16 July 2026, 01:00

Grenoble Foot 38 put on a dominant display in their pre-season friendly against Villefranche Beaujolais, running out comfortable 5-2 winners at the Stade des Alpes. The Ligue 2 side showcased their superior quality, particularly in the first half, as they overwhelmed their National division opponents with a flurry of early goals.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a modest but vocal crowd, Grenoble used the match to build match fitness and test new tactical arrangements. Villefranche, playing one level below in the French third tier, struggled to contain the pace and movement of the Grenoble attack but showed resilience to score two fine goals in the second half.

Key Moments

• 6th minute – Grenoble opened the scoring with a crisp finish from the edge of the area after a neat one-two.
• 11th minute – A quick counter-attack doubled the lead; the winger cut inside and curled the ball into the far corner.
• 23rd minute – A defensive error allowed Grenoble to make it 3-0, with the striker tapping into an empty net.
• 35th minute – Villefranche pulled one back from a set piece, a header from a corner that gave the home keeper no chance. 3-1.
• 42nd minute – Grenoble restored their three-goal advantage just before halftime with a powerful shot from 20 yards. 4-1.
• 52nd minute – The home side added a fifth after a VAR review confirmed the ball had crossed the line following a goalmouth scramble.
• 68th minute – Villefranche scored a consolation goal, a well-placed volley from a cross, making it 5-2.

Tactical Story

Grenoble set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their attacking midfield trio constantly interchanging positions to pull Villefranche's defence out of shape. The full-backs provided width, while the double pivot offered solidity. Villefranche, in a 4-4-2, were overrun in midfield and failed to close down space effectively. After the break, both teams made wholesale changes, and the tempo naturally dropped, but Grenoble continued to control the game.

Standout Players

Grenoble's number 10 was the creative hub, registering two assists and scoring one goal. His vision and passing were a cut above. The left winger also impressed with his direct running and a fine individual goal. For Villefranche, the centre-back who scored their first goal showed good aerial ability, and the substitute striker who grabbed the second gave his manager something to think about.

The 5-2 scoreline was a fair reflection of the gap in quality between the two sides, but Villefranche can take heart from their two goals and the fight they showed in the second half. Grenoble will be pleased with their offensive output as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Ligue 2 season.