Lineups, stakes, match figures, discover the essential information to remember a few hours before match between Bologna and LOSC for the 5th day of the Champions League.
Bologna, a pivotal match
How far away the time seems when the inaugural defeat at Sporting (2-0) aroused the worst doubts about LOSC's European campaign. Since then, the Dogues have brought down Madrid (1-0 against Real, 3-1 at Atlético) and resisted Juventus (1-1). Enough to move forward in Bologna with plenty of certainty, confidence and hope. If the Lille team could be overhauled (see below), it proved at the Civitas Metropolitano that rotation and ambition could be reconciled. Faced with a less elite team and more uncertain dynamics, LOSC will have to change gear to approach this meeting at a lower altitude, but not necessarily at a lower difficulty.
Above all, this Italian trip should act as a turning point in the approach to the rest of the competition: the three points of victory, an almost assured play-off and the Mastiffs will certainly be even hungrier at the idea of securing an improbable top 8 two months ago; another result and no doubt LOSC will seek to settle for an already honorable top 24 on the occasion of a final unequal triptych (Sturm Graz, Liverpool, Feyenoord).
Towards an Atlético-style turnover?
Three days after celebrating its 80th anniversary with its typical team against Rennes, LOSC could be overhauled for its trip to Bologna. Bruno Genesio could reproduce the same pattern as that operated at Atlético, in smaller proportions and prioritizing rest for the internationals who were heavily used during the November rally, he who, on Sunday, promised “ a very competitive team with maybe a few changes at kickoff “. Thus, absent from training on Tuesday morning after being injured against Rennes, Edon Zhegrova should not start in the eleven. Jonathan David, Gabriel Gudmundsson et Aïssa Mandi could also be affected.
Bruno Genesio is wise
“I don’t consider us favorites. Bologna have yet to score in the Champions League and have only taken one point, but in Serie A they are performing well. I don't agree at all with this favorite label. It will be a very balanced, difficult match. (…) It is very important to recover players, because I have a lot of choices to change from one match to another. It is very important to have a replenished squad. This end of the year will be a difficult period with a lot of matches. Tomorrow will be the 20th, it will be important to have fresh players. »
The number: 1
Outside of the knockout phase, Lille has only lost one of its last 8 matches in the Champions League (5 wins, 2 draws), it was against Sporting during J1 this season (0- 2).
BOLOGNA – LOSC
5th day of the Champions League
Wednesday November 27, 9 p.m.
Renato-Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologne
Photo credits: Pressinphoto/Icon Sport
