Espérance de Tunis clinched a crucial and historic 1-0 victory against Los Angeles FC at Geodis Park in Nashville, during the second matchday of Group D in the 2025 Club World Cup. This win completely reignites the Blood and Gold's qualification hopes for the quarter-finals, keeping their dreams alive before a final showdown against Chelsea.
Unlike their first match against Flamengo, Yassine Meriah's teammates faced a more manageable opponent this time. From the opening minutes, their intentions were clear: Espérance dominated possession, showed aggression in duels, and launched numerous attacking forays. Youcef Belaïli, in fine form, made his presence felt as early as the 4th minute with a powerful shot well saved by Lloris. Moments later, Rodrigo Rodrigues rattled the woodwork with a fierce shot that struck the post.
The Californians then reacted timidly through David Martínez and Ryan Hollingshead, but it was primarily the refereeing that offered a moment of relief for the Blood and Gold: two LAFC goals were rightly disallowed for offside positions.
At halftime, the score remained goalless, but the technical mastery and tactical solidity clearly favored Maher Kanzari's men.
The second half was a display of sheer determination. High pressing, physical intensity, and creativity in the final third put the American defense under immense pressure. After several attempts by Guenichi, Ben Ali, and Yan Sasse were thwarted by an excellent Lloris, the breakthrough came in the 70th minute.
In a magnificent move, full-back Mohamed-Amine Ben Hamida sliced through LAFC's right flank, drew the defender, and then slipped a pass to Belaïli. The Algerian winger, from a very tight angle, found an opening between the French goalkeeper's legs, sending thousands of Tunisian supporters in the stadium into raptures. 1-0, Espérance deservedly took the lead.
This goal energized the Blood and Gold, but paradoxically, they lacked the clinical edge to kill off the match. Clear-cut chances came one after another without being converted: Sasse, Guenichi, Belaïli... all had opportunities to extend the lead.
And as often happens in football, when you don't kill off the match, you put yourself in danger. In the dying minutes of injury time, after several saves from Ben Saïd, the referee, to everyone's surprise, pointed to the penalty spot for a dubious foul. The stadium held its breath.
Denis Bouanga stepped up, but Bechir Ben Saïd pulled off the save of his life. Heroically, he pushed away the penalty in the 90'+11th minute, saving his team. An image etched in memory. The final whistle brought relief to players and supporters alike.
Espérance bounced back in the most spectacular fashion after their initial setback. Solid, well-organized, and carried by an imperious Ben Saïd and a decisive Belaïli, they proved they belong among the giants of this global tournament.
Thanks to this success, they retain all their chances of qualification before the final group stage match next Wednesday against Chelsea. An electrifying encounter awaits. The dream continues. And it is now in the hands of the Blood and Gold and their supporters.
EST Lineup: Ben Saïd, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida, Meriah(c), Tougaï, Guennichi, Ogbelu, Konaté (Derbali 76'), Mokwana (Sasse 61'), Belaïli (Jelassi 90'+1) and Rodrigues (Jabri 61').
Booked: Belaïli, Sasse.