Opposed to SK Sturm Graz on the occasion of the sixth and final day of the Youth League league phase, LOSC settled for a draw (1-1) to advance to the round of 16.
Undefeated in the Youth League (1 win, 4 draws) since the start of the season, LOSC must continue this good series so that its adventure can continue over time. On the meadow this Wednesday, the young Mastiffs were beaten the day before by two stables and thus left the qualifying places for the final phase. A draw or a victory is enough against SK Sturm Graz.
The film of the meeting
The cold of winter has definitely settled in at Domaine de Luchin where the youth of LOSC opposed that of SK Sturm Graz this Wednesday, on the occasion of the sixth and final day of the Youth League. This part, which looked balanced on paper, began with a serious round of observation. The two teams took turns trying to sting their opponent, without really being ready to hurt from the start. In this little game, it was possible to count two situations and a save on both sides.
We had to wait until the end of the first quarter of an hour to see the face of the match shift to one side. LOSC, which was gradually gaining the upper hand, now displayed total control of the game. This resulted in a first clear situation for Shina Ayodele, whose attempt too crossed at the entrance to the area (22') was synonymous with first thrill in the Austrian ranks. The latter resisted as best they could the Lille attacks and tried to weaken the northern bloc with counterattacks, without success.
The opportunities then followed one after another for LOSC, like a header from Lachaab pushed back on the line by a defender (34') or a save from the goalkeeper at close range (36'), without the score Don't move one iota. We had to wait around ten more minutes for the match to change with Soriba Diaoune's opening score. He emerged from the wing and picked up a ball that was lying around in the area following an attempt by Ayodele. LOSC's domination was finally converted with a first goal (1-0, 41'). It is on this short advantage that the Mastiffs return to the locker room.
Far, very far, from displaying the same face back on the field, the latter conceded a slew of chances. One, then two, three… and they ended up breaking on a header from Grgic (1-1, 54'). The equalizer did not mean the end of the Austrian highlight and the visitors continued to push to the point that Samy Merzouk was forced to make a spectacular reflex save on a cross blocked by a Lille tackle (66').
This parade awakened the Mastiffs who gradually took back control of the match, to the point of threatening the opposing cages (Lachaab, 72'). The Austrian defense, solid as a rock, resisted Lille's incursions again and again. Stéphane Pichot's men gradually lost their lucidity and ended up becoming muddled. Thus, it was with this dynamic and this draw score (1-1) that the final whistle sounded at Domaine de Luchin.
This result was enough for LOSC, who only needed one point to qualify for the round of 16. The Mastiffs are twentieth with 8 points gleaned from six matches. Demanding of themselves, they did not even celebrate, frustrated at not having been able to impose themselves.
LOSC 1-1 SK Sturm Graz (1-0)
Youth League – 6th day – Wednesday December 11 at 1 p.m.
But(s) : Diaoune (41') for LOSC, Grgic (54') for SK Sturm Graz
LOSC: Merzouk – Goffi, Bonnechère, Hamidi, Lucea (Mokhtari 82') – Baret, Imbondo (Apkakou 71') – Diaoune, Boussadia (Akale 71'), Lachaab – Ayodele
Coach : Stéphane Pichot
