Legends take “le bouillon” vs. Emerald
Last Sunday, our legends took the “bouillon” in the derby vs. old rival Emerald. By the activity on Wechat, we could see earlier in the week that both teams were very motivated with this game. While our legends managed bringing-in a good looking team of 15 players, Emeralds were even more with 20+ players. As a starting line, we had Pascal in the goal; FL, Fabi, Matze & James in defense; Imad, Sylvain & Kevin in the middle & Nico, Fred & Mamdouh upfront. As for the squad formation we were in 4-3-3 and Emeralds in 4-2-2.
[ SPL VETERAN ] Shanghai Lions FC 0 – 5 Emerald
In the first few minutes of the 1st quarter, well this was hell for our legends with Emerads putting a huge pressure on Lions defense/midfield. As a matter of fact, Emerald was more playing in 4-1-3-2 with 2 arrows on the flank (Fafa and another young running man). These 2 guys were acting as piston with their No 10 feeding them with good balls… While Emerald was putting intensity and accuracy, we on the other side were struggling both to keep or pass the ball.
On a long ball from Emerald, 2 opponents went for the ball and served Emerald stricker (3m offside) who came to finish Pascal on a 1 on 1. Good call from the referee… it was indeed the Lion player who touched/gave the ball. Few minutes later, Emeralds scored another beautiful header from their No 10 on a corner. On the last 5 minutes, Lions started to play better and even the game. 2-0 for Emeralds on the 1st quarter.
On the 2nd quarter, we decided to re-organize a little bit and played with 3 defenders. Immediately, it got better and we got 2 occasions to score with Bob. A pity for us as it ended as the only and last opportunity coming back into the game…
The 3rd quarter started on a lower intensity. While both teams were kind of neutralizing each other, Emeralds got a freekick 30m from our goal. Surprisingly, it was Emerald’s goalkeeper who came to try his luck. While we were already saying that it was a chance to score in counter, the keeper deflected an amazing shoot who went straight in the skylight of Lions’ goal… Not much to do on that and really beautiful goal !!! Afterwards, we learnt that Emerlad’s player is the goalkeeper’s trainer of Shanghai Greenland Shenhua F.C. 3-0 down at the end of the 3rd quarter.
In the 4th quarter, our heads went down. Indeed, we lost the steam, composure and organisation pushing forward and got punished with 2 more goals … To complicate things further, Pascal got hurt on his shin but Bob came as subsitute with style… 3 amazing saves to preserve what could still be preserved.
Le “bouillon” for our legends with 0-5 as final score. Let’s be honest, Emerals were better than us in all aspects… Fitter, faster, stronger, younger with their 2 wingers… Now, let’s keep in mind that we still have everything in our hands to be champion. With the 3 more games to come, if we win 2 we’ll be champion.
Cheers
FL
