The Challengers: Rosenior leads RCSA to new heights
With four teams tied atop the Ligue 1 McDonald's table, we continue our series on the challengers to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a massive weekend. Our latest piece focuses on a young but talented RC Strasbourg side.
The season so far
The Alsatians have played five matches in Ligue 1 McDonald's so far, and but for a stoppage time header by Monaco's Takumi Minamino in a 3-2 defeat, they would be top of the division, having picked up four wins in their other encounters. Impressively, they have won in a variety of ways -- there have been tightly contested wins over the likes of Nantes and Metz as well as Sunday's wide-open win away to Paris FC.
They've also successfully negotiated the Europa Conference League playoffs, impressing in beating a veteran-laden Brondby. While the start to the season hasn't been perfect, optimism is running high, as several key players (Guéla Doué, Julio Enciso) are yet to play at full fitness, underscoring that there can be more to come for this young team under Liam Rosenior.
👀 Look who's back in training! 👀 pic.twitter.com/BWLTZQoJpw
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) September 18, 2025
New faces...
While most of the clubs in Ligue 1 McDonald's were cautious in the market this summer, spending relative little -- even Paris Saint-Germain added only Lucas Chevalier and Ilya Zabarni, Racing spent freely. Their focus was almost entirely on young talent and while they will have regretted seeing the likes of captain Habib Diarra and talented winger Dilane Bakwa depart, the cupboard is hardly bare.
In the season's early going, goalkeeper Mike Penders, striker Joaquín Panichelli and defender Lucas Høgsberg have all impressed, with the Argentine netting three times in the league already. Much is expected of Encsio, while loanee Kendry Paez is still just eighteen, but as a much-experienced Ecuador international, can add attacking flair.
3️⃣5️⃣ minutes
⚽️ One goal
🅰️ One assist
Take a bow, Emanuel Emegha! #PFCRCSA (2-3) pic.twitter.com/nnv8uztc2s— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) September 21, 2025
...and some important veterans...
But it's not all new faces on the roster -- indeed, the quartet of Emanuel Emegha, Valentín Barco, Diego Moreira and Mamadou Sarr look to be as influential as ever. Emegha turned the match against Paris FC with a goal and an assist on Sunday, while the versatility of both Barco and Moreira allows Rosenior greater depth tactically. As for Sarr, the young defender is even more an assured presence no matter the system.
"I'm very happy with the points total, but we need to improve"
Happy with the result, but not satisfied, hear from coach after #PFCRCSA pic.twitter.com/NK1ErFrrep— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) September 22, 2025
...with the manager the difference!
While the schedule is about to get more difficult for Racing (they face Marseille tomorrow, and Paris Saint-Germain after the international break), they will surely have the requisite amount of self-belief if Rosenior has any say in the matter. Relentless positive while still asking more of his young team, his energy and electric tactics won plenty of plaudits last season, and despite the turnover, he looks well positioned to keep this team in the mix going forward.
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