Toulouse Football Club remained undefeated in pre-season preparation after beating Emirati side Al-Ain 1-0 on Wednesday in Murcia, Spain.
Forward Bakhouche scored the only goal of the match for the Ligue 1 team. The victory followed a 1-1 draw against Ligue 2 club Rodez in Montauban, where Casseres scored, and a 2-1 win over Spanish team Real Sociedad in Tarbes with goals from Vignolo and Hidalgo. With seven points from three friendly matches, Toulouse would sit near the top of the standings if the league season had already started.
Danish head coach Jens Berthel Askou analyzed the performance on club social media channels, stating that the squad lacked overall explosiveness compared to their previous fixture. He noted that the team was not as fluid, intense, or dynamic, but commended their resilience in defending the three points.
Al-Ain created late danger in Murcia province, hitting the post in the 81st minute and striking the crossbar in the 90th minute. Askou said he enjoyed the end of the match, highlighting the chemistry between experienced players and young elements that helped complete the job. Midfielder Aron Dönnum also featured as the club's new number 10.
Upcoming Matches and Tactical Focus
Toulouse will play their next friendly at 10 a.m. at the Pinatar Arena in southern Spain against Spanish side Elche, who finished 15th in La Liga last season. The squad will then complete their pre-season schedule by hosting German club Hamburg SV at the Stadium on Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m.
The final fixture against Hamburg SV will allow Askou to refine tactical details, including his signature high pressing system. Askou stated that while Toulouse controlled play against Al-Ain, the team should have passed over the top more frequently. Hamburg SV enter the match after conceding a comical goal caused by a goalkeeper clearance error in a recent friendly.
Player Transfers and Squad Changes
Off the pitch, defender Charlie Cresswell officially departed Toulouse to join fellow French club Rennes for a substantial transfer fee. Cresswell recently met with Adrien Thomasson to make peace following an on-pitch altercation between the two players last season.
