UEL: Panichelli’s Overhead Kick Salvages Strasbourg a Point

RC Strasbourg Alsace were made to sweat on their return to European competition at La Meinau, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok thanks to a stunning overhead kick from Joaquín Panichelli. The Argentinian, already Ligue 1’s top scorer this season, once again proved decisive with a “Zlatanesque” equaliser that lit up a dramatic night in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

After their opening-day victory in Bratislava, Liam Rosenior’s men were looking to make it two wins from two in Group C, and they started in inspired fashion. Kendry Páez and Mathys Lemaréchal both went close inside the first five minutes, forcing sharp saves from Polish goalkeeper Piekutowski. The Racing controlled possession and chances throughout the first half but lacked the finishing touch to capitalise on their dominance.

That wastefulness came back to haunt them after the break. In the 53rd minute, a scrappy free-kick situation saw Dino Stojinović pounce inside the box to give Jagiellonia a shock lead, stunning the home crowd. Strasbourg nearly hit back immediately as Páez rattled the post with a thunderous effort, but the ball refused to cross the line.

With time running out, Rosenior turned to his bench — introducing Panichelli, Barco, and Moreira to inject fresh attacking impetus. The change worked. Strasbourg laid siege to the Polish penalty area in the closing stages, hitting the woodwork again through Jonathan Godo and forcing several desperate saves.

Then, in the 79th minute, the moment of magic arrived. From a Doué header inside the six-yard box, Panichelli improvised brilliantly, contorting his body to unleash a bicycle kick into the top corner. The stadium erupted, the goal a work of art worthy of any stage. Strasbourg continued to press for a winner deep into stoppage time — Godo seeing another golden chance denied — but had to settle for a single point after a thrilling finale.

It was a night to remember for the Racing faithful, who witnessed their club’s first group-stage European home match in 20 years. While victory slipped away, Panichelli’s brilliance ensures Strasbourg remain unbeaten and firmly in contention for knockout qualification.