Conference League: Ouattara on target again as Racing open with win
Making their league phase bow, RC Strasbourg earned a gritty 2-1 win away to Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Conference League. Get the latest in our match report.
A strong display despite a rotated eleven
On the road against an experienced opponent, this match had all the trappings of a trap game for Liam Rosenior's young side. Missing joint-top scorers Emanuel Emegha and Joaquín Panichelli also presented a challenge, and Diego Moreira and Valentín Barco were also on the bench to start. Instead, Rosenior trusted in a pair of academy products -- Abdoul Ouattara and Samir El Mourabet -- and his confidence was handsomely repaid.
Admittedly, despite their strong start to the match, there was more than a measure of luck as the visitors struck the opener via an own goal. A ball in from the left from Martial Godo was turned into his own net midway through the half, and Racing led deservedly. The hosts would respond, but failed to generate any chances which truly troubled Mike Penders in the Racing goal, and the Alsatians would even double their lead just before the break.
First European competition match for Kendry Páez 🇪🇨💎 pic.twitter.com/B4Q3RZOvEb
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 2, 2025
Ouattara doubles up
Once again, Godo was at the root of the team's second, the young winger turning his marker and picking out the left wingback in the area. Needing little time to debate, Ouattara slotted the ball home, and Racing had a comfortable margin ahead of the interval. Early in the second half, Godo could even have had a goal of his own after being picked out by a fine ball from Félix Lemaréchal, but he could only force a double save.
That lack of composure failed to cost Racing, but the hosts still did their best to make the end of the match a nervy occasion. Midway through the half, Rahim Ibrahim got in behind Racing's defence, turning his marker and leaving Penders rooted to the spot. Ten minutes from time, the hosts had another dine chance, but Lucas Høgsberg cleared the ball off the line, before Penders made a flurry of saves as the match drifted towards full time. Come the final whistle, the three points were secured, and Racing had continued their perfect start to the competition.
