The Stadium was closed, the squad was stripped by international call-ups, and Toulouse still found a way to let a two-goal lead disappear. The Ligue 1 side lost 3-2 to Pau behind closed doors on Saturday morning, despite taking control after the interval.
Quick facts
- Toulouse were beaten 3-2 by Ligue 2 club Pau in a closed-door friendly at the Stadium.
- Thirteen Toulouse players were away on international duty during the autumn break.
- Santiago Hidalgo and Casper Tengstedt put Toulouse 2-0 ahead.
- Luan Gadegbeku scored twice for Pau before Abdoulaye Mbaye struck the winner.
- Toulouse, 13th in Ligue 1, visit Monaco next Saturday at 20:45.
Jens Berthel Askou’s depleted group had arranged the friendly despite the long international window. Pau, coached by Thierry Debès and far less affected by absences, eventually turned the match around.
Hidalgo opened the scoring before half-time. Tengstedt then converted a penalty early in the second half to give Toulouse what appeared to be a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
Pau responded through Gadegbeku, whose two goals brought the visitors level. Mbaye completed the comeback with the decisive third goal.
Opportunities in a depleted Toulouse side
The fixture also gave Askou a chance to look at players in unfamiliar or new roles. Midfielder Niklas Schmidt was used at centre-back, while Mathis Amougou made his first appearance.
Théo Collin was also handed time in goal. Their involvement came as Toulouse worked without a significant part of their senior group.
The return of the internationals will carry greater importance ahead of the next league assignment. Guillaume Restes, Cristian Casseres and the other players away with their national teams are expected back in the fold.
Captain Rasmus Nicolaisen could also be needed again soon. He was rested against Pau after feeling a muscular problem shortly before the break.
Mark McKenzie wore the captain’s armband in his absence. The defender had travelled to the United States and back to sign his next contract with Philadelphia Union.
Toulouse enter the trip to Monaco in 13th place, having claimed their first Ligue 1 victory of the campaign with a 3-2 win over Le Havre. The test at Monaco next Saturday will require a sharper finish than the one seen in the empty Stadium.
