Maxime Bernauer scores first goal for Saint-Étienne

Maxime Bernauer scored his first goal for Saint-Étienne during a 3-1 victory against Montpellier in the fifth round of Ligue 2. The 28-year-old defender opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a powerful volley following a cross from Irvin Cardona.

Although Montpellier equalized through Dare Meddah in first-half stoppage time, Saint-Étienne secured the win with goals from Augustine Boakye in the 49th minute and Joshua Duffus in the 71st minute. The victory maintains Saint-Étienne’s perfect start to the season, with five wins from five matches and a maximum of 15 points at the top of the table.

Bernauer joined Saint-Étienne from Dinamo Zagreb in early 2025. Following an initial loan period that included 11 appearances in Ligue 1, the French club exercised a purchase option for 1.2 million euros, securing his contract until the summer of 2027.