Frankly, a week ago, after the rout in Germany, few people would have counted on Strasbourg qualifying for a Conference League semi-final. Beaten 2-0 in Mainz, Racing had been ghostly and the bill could even have been much higher after leaving the Mewa Arena. But the two goals behind Gary O’Neil’s men were quickly made up for on Thursday evening at Meinau.
In an exceptional atmosphere, the Alsatians quickly set the record straight thanks to Sebastian Nanasi (26th) and Abdoul Ouattara (35th). Before delivering the blow in the second half. If Emmanuel Emegha missed a penalty shortly after coming into play, the riquelmesque Julio Enciso (69th) gave his team the advantage before Emegha concluded a crazy evening with a superb header (74th).
A magnificent end to the season is coming
The captain of Racing, euphoric, also had a little word to pass to the Germans at the end of the match, while a few arguments broke out between the players at the end of the match. “They disrespected us last week,” Emegha explained on Canal+. No problem, we didn’t say anything. But this is our home. Look at this atmosphere. We honored them on the pitch. I’m so happy. »
To obtain the first European half in their history, where they will face the Spaniards Rayo Vallecano, the Strasbourg side produced a “tactically perfect” and “incredible in the management of emotions” match, according to Gary O’Neil. “The victory was built in the locker room after the first leg last week,” said the English coach. The speech was: we can always win. We believed in it, the supporters believed in it, and we created an incredible evening. I am very proud of the players. »
Racing will have a magnificent end to the season to manage. The only French club still present in three competitions, it is chasing European places in Ligue 1, it is playing the semi-final of the Coupe de France against Nice on Wednesday and will therefore play a European semi-final on April 30. “I hope we will have an incredible April and May together with the supporters, and that we will be able to put a trophy in the cupboard, that was the goal when I arrived,” said Gary O’Neil.
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