It is an amicable farewell to international business.
After a remarkable performance, SK Sturm equalized at OSC Lille in the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League (Match Report>>>).
The “Blackies” showed a better team face than they did a week ago at Cross. No player really fell, and one or two impressed across the board.
LAOLA1 To do this, distribute grades to all Sturm players (1=very good, 2=good, 3=satisfactory, 4=adequate, 5=unsatisfactory).
VITEZSLAV JAROS – 90 Minuten – Rating: 3
This time I wasn't forced to make as many dream saves as I did in the first leg. Mostly there was a bit of trouble in the corners early on, but otherwise nothing to hold Czech for long. Not even at 0:1. His best moment came with a brilliant save against Yasisi.
Max Johnston – 90th minute – Grade: 3
The young Scott had his problems early on with Lille's dynamic left side around Haraldsson and Capella. But the game settled down as the game progressed and eventually the game dried up.
GREGORY WÜTHRICH – 61st minute – Grade: 1
The defensive leader plugged several holes at the back and created danger up front. Although Pireth was last in the line at the end, the goal that made it 1-1 belonged primarily to him. After an excellent performance, he was substituted after an hour with a minor injury.
Dimitri Lavallee – 90 min – Note: 2
Couldn't clear the ball enough before a 1-0 lead, but given the pace that's no big surprise. Otherwise steady and undisturbed as usual, this time Lille, along with Wüthrich and Affengruber, stayed away from their own goal more effectively than a week ago.
JUSUF GAZIBEGOVIC – 90 minutes – Grade: 2
He showed that he can play left-back as well as right-back. He was convincing throughout the game with a high attack drive without neglecting the defence.
Stephen Hierlander – 90 minutes – Grade: 3
In his first starting eleven appearance in 2024, he was invisible apart from an attempted header after 29 minutes. As he moved back, he found himself slightly overwhelmed by Lil's high speed. Eventually he ran out of strength.
JON GORENC-STANKOVIC – 90 minutes – Notes: 3
Started the game a bit slow with a few errors in the build-up, but recovered quickly and then showed his usual consistent performance.
TOMI HORVAT – Up to 68th minute – Grade: 2
Two minutes later, he could have ensured a more exciting encounter than it eventually turned out to be, but he lacked confidence when his best chance came from close range. That corner was excellent before turning the second post to make it 1-1. All in all, a good game from Slovenia.
OTAR KITESHVILI – bis 45. Min – Note: 3
One of the most noticeable players in Cross's strong start, but then completely disappeared. Changed during the break for security reasons.
SZYMON WLODARCZYK – 90 min – Note: 3
For the first time this calendar year, a chance at the starting line for the Pole. He could use this only to a limited extent. Worked hard against the ball but was rarely involved in his team's combinations, apart from a header after the break, which was mostly harmless.
MIKA BIERETH – bis 45. Min – Note: 2
Horvat's early goal chance prepared with great emphasis, but was then dropped long after. His best moment came just before half-time when he poked Wüthrich's head, thereby “stealing” his goal from the Swiss. He was also resting during the break.
Alexander Press – From 46th minute – Grade: 3
After missing last week due to injury, he was first rested this time. Came into the game at half time and brought some fresh air. But he did not tear down any tree.
AMADY CAMARA – ab 46. Min – Note: 3
He impressed with his carefree approach when he came on as a substitute, but was rarely on the ball afterwards.
David Afengrupper – from 60th minute – Grade: 2
With him in the back four, the Cross defense hasn't become less stable — quite the contrary. Lilly was only on half-throttle, even though she was on alternately at the time.
William Beving – From 68th minute – Grade: 3
His replacement brought some fresh air. But Dane's big accents are missing.
NIKLAS GEYRHOFER – From 79th minute – Grade: Used very briefly
Sturm Cross makes a guest appearance in this jewel box
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