Overall superior to its evening opponent, LOSC logically defeated Sturm Graz (3-2) this Wednesday, by relying in particular on an offensive front inspired. From 3 to 7, discover our ratings after this match counting for the 6th day of the Champions League.
Man of the Match
More than the surprise of the eleven, it was also the surprise of the match. Aligned in an unusual right winger position – a first in his career -, Mitchell Bakker (8) blew everyone away. Beyond his goal full of automatism and composure, where he follows the action well and calmly concludes his face-to-face (45+2′), he exuded a surprising ease in small spaces, showing himself capable of combining very well with his partners and bringing danger (4′, 13′, 29′, 47′). He even dreamed of an improbable double after a splendid control and a strike which was just as splendid (71′), but the opposing goalkeeper intervened. Which was not the case on the winning goal from Hakon Haraldsson (81′), replacing Bakker a few seconds earlier (80′).
The satisfactions
Back in the starting lineup, Osame Sahraoui (7) justified the confidence of Bruno Genesio. Much more impactful than in his last, more sluggish weeks, the Moroccan winger put his team on the right track by perfectly concluding a Lille counter-attack in which he covered thirty meters with the ball (1-0, 37'). He also triggers the movement of the second goal with his lightning start and his good shift (45+2′) and switches to a slightly too strong simulation of obtaining a penalty (16′). While he often swapped with Rémy Cabella, the Moroccan and his ease in percussion and combinations (4′, 16′, 30′, 45+1′, 58′, 71′, 78’…) was invaluable against the low block of Sturm Graz, even if he lost a few balls (17). Replaced by Mohamed Bayo at the end of the match (80′)
He did not score and thought he had the opportunity to score another penalty before the VAR intervened (16′), but Jonathan David (7) was once again one of the strong men of LOSC. Very important in the construction of the game, with small stalls, movements and intelligence of play which destabilized the opposing low block, the Canadian was a constant poison for the defense of Sturm Graz. He was a decisive passer by shifting Hakon Haraldsson to the winning goal (81′), was involved in that of Bakker (45+2′) and came very close to scoring his 102nd goal with LOSC (61′) and obtaining a penalty (77′), finally judged lawful by a conciliatory refereeing body. Downside to his performance, this miss at point blank range by misjudging the rebound on the caviar of Thomas Meunier (30′), ultimately without consequences.
As often since the start of the season, Alexsandro (6) was once again the defensive boss of LOSC. Certainly, the Brazilian slips and offers a situation to Sturm Graz (12′), but for the rest, he never failed in his task. He exuded great authority and was never caught in his positioning – on the second goal, the entire Lille block was unbalanced -, above all bringing great danger with the ball. Before his long ball leading to a big opportunity (61′), he was a decisive passer by projecting himself and launching Osame Sahraoui towards the goal to open the score. A complete service, in short.
The disappointments
Usually so sparkling in the Champions League, Ayyoub Bouaddi (3) suffered a serious loss against Sturm Graz. Quite discreet in the offensive phase, especially after a first quarter of an hour where his freedom in width led to some shifts, he is above all the main culprit on the two goals conceded by LOSC. He poorly revives the Austrian center and offers a huge opportunity converted by Otar Kiteishvili (45+2′), before losing the ball in his camp to allow Sturm Graz to equalize on a lightning transition. A match without, and nothing alarming for a young man of 17 excused just by his age and who still shows a logical form of irregularity.
Unlike his friend Alexsandro, Bafode Diakité (4) displayed less serenity than the Brazilian. If he is not to blame directly for the goals conceded, he generally suffered during his rare duels with the young Mika Biereth. The Lille vice-captain also contributed very little in the offensive phase, despite a physiognomy and adversity which could lend itself to it. Perhaps he is paying for his impressive string of matches, having played all of LOSC's 24 matches since the start of the season.
Enzo PAILOT, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq
LOSC – Sturm Graz notes:
Knight (5), Miller (6), Diakite (4), Alexsandro (6), Ismaily (5), André (6), Bouaddi (3), Sahrawi (7), Cabella (5), Bakker (8), David (7)
Photo credits: Alexsandro LOSC Icon Sport
