no last minute glitch before going to Monaco
The context
Seventh after the 14th day of Ligue 1, a ranking that it had not yet reached this stage of the season on Sunday since its return among the elite of French football, Racing is going to Monaco this (3 p.m.). The Principality’s players occupy 8th place, tied on points (19 points) with Strasbourg.
Third last season, Niko Kovac’s men hardly missed qualifying for the Champions League group stage this summer. Reversed in the Europa League, they removed enormous pressure on Thursday by beating Real Sociedad at Louis-II (2-1). They are thus sure of finishing first in their group and of qualifying directly for the round of 16 of the “small” European Cup.
Will this match leave traces in Monegasque organizations? Not sure, if at all, for Julien Stéphan, the Racing coach. “I don’t believe it for a second at that point in the season for having experienced it with Rennes. In September and October, when the organizations are not yet ready, it can be an opportunity. In December, the players are in good shape. And if there are one or two tired, there is the quality to replace them, ”he underlined.
Brilliant on the European scene, the Monegasques remain in three games without a win in Ligue 1 (1 defeat, 2 draws). Racing is undefeated over the period (1 win, 2 draws).
The info of the day: UB90s in small groups in training
Coming in numbers on several occasions last season to support the players in training before an important match, especially before the one in Metz last February or against Montpellier in early May, the UB90 had made an appointment this Saturday before the trip to Monaco, that they boycott because of the reception conditions considered inappropriate with “their model of supporterism”. About fifty supporters responded and were able to benefit from privileged access to an area usually not open to the public, behind the goal of one of the two training grounds.
The number: 23
Racing, which has won only one of the six away matches this season (1-0 in Lens), only led for 23 minutes of play away from Meinau, thanks to the goal of Ludovic Ajorque at Bollaert in the 67th.