2023-11-27 16:00:35
A second “final” in the space of 3 months: like that of Maccabi Haifa on August 29, the arrival of the Red Star this Tuesday at Wankdorf is of immense importance for YB.
A second “final” in the space of 3 months: like that of Maccabi Haifa on August 29, the arrival of Red Star on Tuesday at Wankdorf has an immense stake for YB in the Champions League.
If successful, Raphaël Wicky’s team will be assured of playing in the round of 16 of the Europa League in February with the hope of experiencing an enchanting spring on the European scene. It is to be hoped that the Bernese will show the same brilliance against the Serbs as they did against the Israelis during the play-off which they won 3-0.
“The 2-2 in the first leg in Belgrade showed that we are really capable of looking Red Star in the eyesays Wicky. But this meeting also underlined how formidable the Serbs could be on the offensive level.” This first leg, however, leaves a mountain of regrets for the Bernese with a golden chance for Silvère Ganvoula to score 3-1 and especially with the equalizer that is both fortunate and late for Red Star.
Imperative victory
Even if everything remains open in the event of a draw, YB really has an interest in winning on Tuesday to finish in 3rd place in this group G behind Manchester City and Leipzig. They actually have a more negative goal difference than that of Red Star (-7 against -5).
Yes, victory will be imperative for YB, especially 3 days after losing at Letzigrund against FC Zurich and 5 days before welcoming Servette FC in a new shock at the top of the Super League. To obtain it, YB will not lack assets. With the support of a public who fully play their role as 12th man in this group phase, with the particularities of the game on an artificial turf which they master to perfection, with the class of a Meschack Elia and the neo- international Filip Ugrinic and with the goalscoring instinct of Jean-Pierre Nsame, Wicky wants to believe that his team is sufficiently armed to beat the 1991 European champions.
The pressure will be there
Deprived of Kastriot Imeri and Cedric Itten, who will not return before January, YB approaches this meeting with enormous pressure on his shoulders even if Wicky tries to relieve it. “I’m not saying that we have to win on Tuesday, I’m just saying that this meeting offers us an extraordinary opportunity” says the Valais technician. However, for its leaders, a presence on the European scene after the winter break is, on the other hand, a “must”.
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