They can continue to dream! RC Strasbourg validated a historic qualification for the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League after a clear victory (4-0) against FSV Mainz 05, erasing their first-leg defeat (2-0). The Alsatian club has reached this stage for the first time in a European competition and will face the Spaniards Rayo Vallecano on April 30 and May 7.
Buoyed by a packed Meinau, Strasbourg quickly took control of the match, despite a first German alert (7th). The offensive choices of Gary O’Neil, with Julio Enciso, Sebastian Nanasi and Martial Godo, proved decisive. Nanasi opened the scoring (26th), before Abdoul Ouattara equalized in both games with a header (35th), taking advantage each time of the work of Enciso, omnipresent in the offensive actions.
A perfect copy of Gary O’Neil’s players
After returning from the locker room, Strasbourg maintained its pressure. After a missed penalty by Emmanuel Emegha (66th), who entered the game shortly before, Enciso gave his team the advantage (69th), concluding an individual action by Godo. The Paraguayan then distinguished himself once again by delivering a decisive pass for Emegha, definitively sealing the fate of the match.
Our file on the Europa Conference League
Only a warning for Valentin Barco, synonymous with suspension for the semi-final first leg, and a scuffle at the end of the match slightly tarnished the evening. Mastering the debates and effective on both surfaces, Strasbourg was able to produce a perfect copy to reverse the situation and continue its European journey.
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