The three French clubs had varying fortunes this Thursday during the first leg of the Europa League. AS Monaco carried out a very good operation by winning against the Germans of Bayer Leverkusen (2-3). FC Nantes had a courageous match by scoring an excellent draw at Juventus Turin (1-1). Finally, Rennes disappointed once again by losing in Poland against the Ukrainians of Shakhtar Donetsk (2-1). The return matches will take place in a week on Thursday, February 23.
Another defeat for Rennes which preserves its chances
Whether in L1, the Coupe de France or the European Cup, the black series has continued for Stade Rennes since their success at the expense of PSG (1-0) on January 15th. Bruno Génésio’s men have just chained this Thursday in Warsaw (Poland) against Shakhtar Donestk (2-1) a 5th loss in the last 6 matches in all competitions. We expected better from the Bretons against an opponent still in winter break since November.
Showered quickly following a powerful strike from Kryskiv (1-0), Rennes reacted but Toko Ekembi missed the equalizer, alone, in front of the Ukrainian goalkeeper (30th). Shakhtar benefited just before the break from a penalty following a foul in the box by Uguchukwu on Konopalya. The penalty is converted by Bondarenko.
Returning from the locker room, Toko Ekambi, who arrived from Lyon during the winter transfer window, revived Rennes by reducing the score with a clever recovery at the far post following a millimeter cross from Doku (2-1, 59th). Despite several assaults from the Ukrainians at the end of the game, the Bretons – orphans of their best player Martin Terrier, who suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee last month – lost only one goal. A result that gives him some hope for the return match.
Monaco wins after a crazy game
The confrontation between Bayer Leverkusen and AS Monaco was marked by the reunion between Moussa Diaby and Youssouf Fofana, the two players of the French team, who started football at Espérance Paris XIX. And it was Moussa Diaby who scored in this duel between friends by allowing his team to raise the bar thanks to his equalizer after returning from the locker room after an incursion into the Monegasque defense (1-1, 48th) before leaving injured . His teammate Wirtz then gave his team the advantage following a personal achievement (2-1, 59th).
The Rock club, author of an excellent first act marked by the opener on an own goal from the German goalkeeper, lost their footing at the start of the second period before waking up in the last half hour. A magnificent curling shot signed Krepin Diatta (2-2, 75th) then a long shot from Axel Disasi during added time allowed ASM to win a precious success (2-3). Philippe Clément’s men have confirmed their great form since the start of the calendar year (7 wins and 3 draws).
A brave Nantes signs a small feat at Juventus
FC Nantes expected to face a prestigious opponent motivated by the last chance to grab a place for the next Champions League after being sanctioned with 15 penalty points in Serie A. And Juventus did not disappoint during the first act by besieging the goals of Alban Lafon. The latter multiplied the parades in particular in front of the former Parisian Angel Di Maria (3rd, 30th) but he could not do anything on the recovery of Vlahovic (1-0, 13th).
Returning from the locker room, the Canaries sting on their first opportunity, a lightning counter-attack concluded magnificently by a strike from Ludovic Blas in the skylight (1-1). In the process, the Italians go up a gear but Chiesa’s cross shot hits the bar then the post of Lafon (62nd) and Di Maria propels one of his corners on the bar (65th). Antoine Kombouaré’s men snatch an excellent draw which leaves them with a chance of qualifying next Thursday at La Beaujoire.
In the other matches, the duel between FC Barcelona and Manchester United ended with a score of parity (2-2).