Emegha and Doukouré fire Strasbourg into Europe!
RC Strasbourg Alsace secured their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage with a 3-1 victory at Bröndby IF on Thursday night. Emmanuel Emegha struck twice, Ismaël Doukouré scored a stunner, and Liam Rosenior’s side resisted Danish pressure to clinch continental qualification.
After a goalless first leg at La Meinau, the tie quickly came to life in Denmark. Strasbourg struck first as François Lemaréchal slipped through Emmanuel Emegha, who punished Patrick Pentz’s poor positioning with a delicate lob (15’, 0-1). The Alsatians doubled their advantage before the break when Ismaël Doukouré unleashed a 30-metre effort that found the bottom corner (40') and sent the 500-strong Alsatien away end into delirium.
Yet, the allure of danger was still there as the hosts responded immediately as veteran (and former Ligue 1) midfielder Daniel Wass pounced at the far post from a flicked-on throw-in (44'), restoring belief for the hosts going into half-time. For Liam Rosenior's side, it cast doubt over what had been a well-executed first half in Denmark.
Emegha at the double
The hosts threw bodies forward after the interval, but Strasbourg’s compact structure and sharp transitions proved decisive. Just past the hour, a lightning counter-attack involving Valentín Barco and Diego Moreira released Emegha, who stayed composed to fire low under Pentz (66′) for his second of the night.
Substitute Joaquín Panichelli missed a golden chance to put the tie beyond doubt, and Bröndby briefly threatened a comeback when Michael Gregoritsch smashed home from close range after an indirect free-kick inside the box (85′). But the damage was already done, and Strasbourg safely saw out stoppage time to secure their passage.
When referee Nenad Minaković blew the final whistle, celebrations erupted among Rosenior’s young side and their travelling support. The win ensures Strasbourg’s first group stage appearance in a UEFA competition since 2019, and a fresh European adventure awaits at La Meinau this autumn.
READ MORE:
>>PSG, Marseille, & Monaco learn their UCL opponents
