Despite playing some smart football, Le Gym fell to defeat in their third friendly of the summer against Standard de Liège (2-1).

The features 

While the match was only the middle of pre-season for Les Aiglons, Les Rouches, however  were just one week away from the start of the Jupiler Pro League (Belgian D1). 

It was therefore to be expected that Standard quickly showed their incisiveness and remained compact, despite Le Gym’s domination of possession. Michel Preud'homme’s side launched the first attack, as Tameze was robbed of the ball by Amallah. He drove at goal and tried his luck with his left. Benitez was beaten, but thankfully, the ball bounced off the post. At the other end, Sylvestre had a chance but the ball also hit the post. 

The Belgians then opened the scoring from a corner taken by Gavori, which was met by the head of Edmond in the 22nd minute of the game (1-0). 

Trailing, as they had been in their previous two friendlies against Eindhoven and Thoune, Les Aiglons didn’t drop their heads, and had chances through Ganago (27'), Cissé (31') and even Sylvestre (38'). 

Their work paid off after the break. After first denying Sacko on two occasions, the

Belgian keeper was unable to prevent Sylvestre’s effort. Omnipresent from kick-off, the playmaker allowed his side to equalise with a beautiful volley (1-1, 53').

After pegging the home side back, the Niçois fell behind once more, from an unfortunate own goal for Dante, who deflected the ball into his own net after a free-kick from distance (2-1, 62').

Patrick Vieira changed his side on several occasions, particularly giving the youngsters a chance to get some game time. Guessand, tried with his right but couldn’t secure a draw for his side. The game finished 2-1 in favour of Standard.

Coach Vieira’s choices 

In the same way as in the first two summer friendlies, Patrick Vieira stuck with a 4-3-3 to face Standard de Liège. Dante, Les Aiglons’ captain, played alongside Cissé through the middle of the back four in front of Benitez. Walter played along the left, whilst Burner played on the right of defence. Lusamba, Tameze and Sylvestre made up the midfield three. Up-front, Ganago and Brazão supported Sacko for the first 45 minutes.

The coach didn’t make any changes at the break, preferring to wait until the 60 minute mark to replace Dante, Ganago and Brazão with Coly, Le Bihan and Guessand. As the final quarter of an hour approached, Pelmard, Thuram and Gameiro replaced Cissé, Tameze and Sacko. Lusamba, was the last Aiglon to leave the pitch at the Sclessin, and he was replaced by Wade with 10 minutes to go.

In total, four players played the whole game: Benitez, Burner, Walter and Sylvestre.

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