Strasbourg has never seemed able to overturn Rayo Vallecano in the second leg of the Conference League semi-final (0-1) on Thursday, before being confronted by their own supporters.
In this end of the season, Racing Club de Strasbourg had focused all their efforts on the Conference League, turning away from Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. But it wasn’t enough to reach a first European final. Rayo Vallecano will be heading to Leipzig on May 27 to face the other favorite, Crystal Palace. Defeated in Vallecas last week (0-1), Strasbourg never seemed able to reverse the Madrid club at Meinau on Thursday evening (0-1).
O’Neil: “One match too many”
In the additional time of the second half, RCSA had the opportunity to equalize and ignite the final moments of the match after being awarded a penalty. But Julio Enciso and Martial Godo were seen arguing over the ball… It was ultimately the Paraguayan striker who took his responsibilities, only to miss his attempt. A symbolic moment.
Racing coach Gary O’Neil admitted that his team had “lacked energy” against Rayo, burdened by a squad that ends the season exhausted. “We didn’t manage to reach our level,” acknowledged the English technician. “It was a big match for us, but we have faced a lot of problems in recent months. Barco and Doué returned hastily to be available for this match, but we had no forwards, only two fit central defenders… It feels like it was one match too many tonight.”
Emegha targeted once again
Apologies that Strasbourg supporters will surely find hard to hear this Friday morning. After the match, the players were severely booed, as they were at halftime. But it was in front of the ultras’ stand that the tension escalated. Present with his teammates despite not playing against Rayo due to injury, Emmanuel Emegha, whose situation has been a point of contention since his signing with Chelsea was announced, was once again targeted. And his attempt at dialogue was in vain.
“We know Emegha’s situation at the club, I just tried to avoid a bigger conflict,” explained Diego Moreira to Canal+ microphone, after trying to restrain the Dutch forward. “He’s a man too, a great player, he tried to defend us. I just didn’t want to add more problems.” Gary O’Neil and the Strasbourg leaders have a tough task ahead to move past this disappointing end to the season in Alsace.
