Strasbourg overturn deficit to make history and progress in Europa Conference League | OneFootball

RC Strasbourg Alsace overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League tie against Mainz to progress to the semi-finals of the competition (4-0, [agg. 4-2]).

It was a tetchy end to last week’s tie in Germany. “They lacked respect last week. We kept quiet and responded on the pitch,” said Strasbourg club captain Emanuel Emegha after qualification was secured. 

Diego Moreira, in the wake of last week’s surprise defeat, and Gary O’Neil, speaking pre-match, both sounded positive about a Remontada, which was started when Sébastien Nanasi halved the deficit in the 26th minute and Abdoul Ouattar levelled up the tie before half-time.

Emegha then had the chance to put Strasbourg ahead but fluffed his lines from the spot. But Julio Enciso ensured that Le Racing would take the lead just three minutes later, before Emegha atoned for his error to establish a cushion. 

Their qualification for the semi-finals, where they will face Rayo Vallecano, represents the first time that they have reached this stage of any European competition.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle