A lack of control after the hour of play
For a moment, we had the feeling of taking a leap into the past and returning to last October 20. That day, Standard had perfectly mastered Charleroi, without being in real danger during the first hour of play, before falling back and putting themselves in danger until the final seconds.
The scenario repeated itself this Saturday. Even if Sint-Truiden often took the measure of the game, Standard was rarely in danger during the first period. Subsequently, the Liégeois retreated and completely abandoned their offensive ambitions, content to wait in front of their goal. The Trudonnaires took full advantage, first via a header from Adriano Bertaccini stopped by Matthieu Epolo then following a magnificent strike into the top corner from Olivier Dumont.
Without the intervention of VAR at the start of added time, Standard would have paid a high price for this loss of control.
Zeqiri imitates Kanga at the right time
It may be a detail but, this Saturday evening, Standard no longer has the worst attack in the championship. Thanks to the two goals scored against Sint-Truiden, the Liégeois have planted nine roses since the start of the competition and joined Kortrijk, which travels to Anderlecht this Sunday.
Andi Zeqiri is no stranger to this progression. The Swiss striker does not always touch many balls but he has a science of positioning which can prove restrictive for opposing defenses. Just after the half hour mark, he perfectly felt Aiden O’Neill’s – magnificent – cross to narrowly deflect the ball into the back of the net. An achievement which illustrated his qualities as a surface fox.
His penalty goal, following a push behind Ayensa’s back, allowed him to score his first double in Belgium. Last season, he scored nine goals with Genk in nine different matches. His last double dates back more than two years, on August 28, 2022, during a victorious trip from Basel to Zürich (2-4).
Alexandropoulos achieves his first in the championship
He was the main surprise on the scoresheet. Three days after his first start in the Belgian Cup, Sotiris Alexandropoulos started his first championship match since his arrival on the banks of the Meuse. The Greek midfielder had not experienced the joys of a tenure since moving from Olympiacos to Panathinaikos on February 4, 2024. That is 272 days, all the same.
It is perhaps this lack of rhythm which forced him, last Wednesday, to simplify his game as much as possible. This Saturday, he delivered another version of his football, much more attractive. Positioned just in front of Aiden O’Neill, he was the hub of Liège’s play by constantly asking for the ball. Very precise both in his crosses and in the short game, he also distinguished himself in the physical game. Precepts favored by Ivan Leko and which could convince him to leave him in his starting eleven, especially since Marko Bulat has never been completely satisfied in his ability to take the game on his own.
The Standard – St-Trond bulletins: Alexandropoulos shined, Epolo was saved by VARResee Epolo’s huge mistake which could have cost Standard the victory (VIDEO)
The match
Standard : Epolo, Fossey, Sutalo, Hautekiet, Lawrence, Camara (88th Calut), Price, O’Neill, Alexandropoulos (69th Round), Ayensa (88th Quavita), Zeqiri (73rd Benjdida).
Saint-Trond : Kokubo, Patris, Van Helden (86th Delpupo), Taniguchi, Godeau, Ogawa, Vanwesemael (46th Brahimi), Ito (62nd Ferrari), Fujita, Bertaccini, Zahiroleslam (62nd Dumont)
Referee: M. Van Damme.
Warnings: Van Helden, Brahimi, Fossey, Bertaccini, Delpupo.
The goals: 33rd Zeqiri (1-0), 45th Zeqiri sur pen. (2-0), 70th Dumont (2-1).
