AJ AUXERRE v RED STAR 93, 6/1/2001 (Coupe de la Ligue, 2nd round)
| Referre : M. Khendek, Att. 5 000 (approx) Goals : Deblock (66), Cissé (72). Bookings : Mexès (43) – Richard (47), Pizzo (48) |
| Referre : M. Khendek, Att. 5 000 (approx) Goals : Deblock (66), Cissé (72). Bookings : Mexès (43) – Richard (47), Pizzo (48) |
In the end the experience and quality of Auxerre won the day. Two well-executed goals in a spell of six minutes ended the dreams of further cup glory for a game Red Star.
Had Red Star put their chances way in the first period then the match might have ended with a different scoreline. Auxerre rarely threatened Branger in the first half, and coach Daniel Rollands' plans were thrown in turmoil early on when international and former Newcastle and Rangers man Guivarc'h limped off injured. Debutant Price Jolibois made a mockery of his nineteen years and at played a heros' game. Out wide Serreau switched wings to torment his marker Jaures, who just did not have the pace to cope with the Red Star man. Unfortunately without Van Kets in the middle, the visitors failed to profit from the service.
So, 0-0 at the break, with all to play for, but as Red Star tired, Auxerre took control. It was a tidy biuld up on the Auxerre left which found Deblock unmarked on the right and he opened the scoring with a firm drive past Branger. Cissé doubled the advantage six minutes later from a similar position, pouncing on a shot half-saved by Branger to loop the ball into the net.
Disappointment for the Reds, Auxerre progress. An imporved performance despite letting in two goals, but still a long way to go. Auxerre were nothing really special, and Red Star ought to have done better. Positive points were the performances of Jolibois and Serreau, and even Supa Sara seemed to take on the captains' role with aplomb. Pizzo was a busy midfielder, Saxemard and Richard coped well in defence. Perron absenr fot both gaols, though and Castro labored up front, Red Star lacking a physocal presence against the strongly built Mexès, surely a player destined for bigger things.
As for the stadium, it's compact - on a par with Notts Countys' ground one could say. No problems, no segregation, they put us in the main stand with excellent views and we were free to mix with the locals who showed no hostility to us whatsoever. Despite the result, not a bad day out, really.