Mondercange relegated and Luxembourg football roundup

The writing had long been on the wall for both teams contesting Sunday afternoon’s game at Stade Communal Mondercange – and by kick-off, the equation was simple: whoever lost would see their relegation fate sealed with three game weeks remaining.

Esch were in a marginally better position than their rivals going into the clash, having registered a 4–2 win in Pétange last month to reach the 10-point milestone. Mondercange, by contrast, had been stuck on nine points for five games running.

Unfortunately, the match lived up to expectations – or rather, the lack thereof. For long periods, it appeared both sides were content to settle for a tepid 0–0 draw, limping towards relegation to the second tier hand-in-hand. But it was Fola who finally broke through – twice. Pape Diakhité’s penalty was saved in first-half stoppage time, but the opener arrived soon after courtesy of 20-year-old Dani Freitas.

Once the midfielder had put the visitors ahead, the impetus was on FCM to respond in a last-ditch attempt to keep their survival hopes – at least mathematically – alive. Diakhité’s second yellow card was supposed to tilt the balance, but all attempts to capitalise proved fruitless.

As manager Marc Depienne has acknowledged throughout the season, relegation had long felt inevitable, and the club’s broader plans were hardly upended by confirmation of the drop. Their current project – focused on developing young players and built around a loyal local coach in Depienne – may yet bear fruit in the long term.

Sometimes, a step backwards is needed to take two forward. Mondercange were clearly unable to compete in 2024–25, with both their budget and squad trailing far behind many direct competitors. However, if they can retain their key assets, they have reason to feel optimistic about a promotion push this time next year.

The last three matches present a chance to give fans something to smile about – and perhaps salvage a shred of pride from what has otherwise been a miserable campaign, which will now certainly conclude with the worst points tally of any BGL Ligue side since 2021–22 (RM Hamm Benfica; four points).

Hesperange crumble before the finish line

It’s been on the horizon for weeks – and now it seems inevitable. Swift Hesperange’s off-field issues and mass departures have begun to take a serious toll on morale and performance.

With a trimmed-down squad, the burden on available players has increased. Reports suggest some are even considering strike action due to delayed salary payments.

There has been just one forfeit defeat so far – a second would result in automatic disqualification from the competition. As such, the players have broadly accepted they must wait until at least the summer transfer window for any meaningful change.

In truth, there is little left to play for. After declining to apply for a UEFA licence – owing to ongoing investigations – Swift effectively rendered the rest of the season irrelevant. They’re out of the cup, too, and money no longer offers motivation.

It all culminated in a painful 0–4 thrashing at home on Sunday against second-place F91 Dudelange, whose intensity and drive Swift never came close to matching. Defender Kino Delorge netted twice, with further goals from Vincent Decker and the irrepressible Samir Hadji.

The final scoreline could have been even worse were it not for a handful of fine saves by Géordan Dupire – one of the league’s standout goalkeepers, and a full Madagascar international with reasonable hopes of a professional move.

The rest of the squad, however, remains in disarray. Interim manager Hakim Menaï has expressed interest in taking the reins permanently – a move that could at least provide some staff-level stability. On the pitch, volatility looks set to continue.

At present, Hesper still face an 18-month UEFA transfer ban. Whether that sanction might be lifted early remains uncertain – but in the meantime, replacements can only come via their academy or from the free-agent market.

Victoria Rosport and the art of doing just enough

One of Luxembourg’s most under-the-radar clubs in recent years, Victoria Rosport have mastered the art of quiet survival. Perennially modest in ambition and budget, they lack the depth to play with flair – and often rely on a direct, defensive style.

Last season’s sixth-place finish hinted at a potential golden era, but the club have returned to their comfort zone this term, once again hovering in the bottom half – but never quite in relegation danger.
Their formula: resilient enough to grind out draws when under pressure, and opportunistic enough to pinch 1–0 wins when the chance arises. It’s not pretty, but it’s undeniably effective – and arguably admirable.

Since his arrival in 2022, Martin Forkel has stabilised the team, delivering results despite annual sales of key players. Jordy Soladio, Adham El Idrissi, Oege-Sietse van Lingen and André Redekop are just the latest strikers to outgrow Rosport and move on to bigger clubs.

This summer, a defender joins that list. Eric Brandenburger is set to join UNA Strassen, replacing Gautier Bernardelli. Having been a linchpin of Victoria’s five-man defence, his departure – along with that of wing-back Jader Soares – will necessitate reinforcements.

Beyond that, though, few signings are expected. Forkel has always prioritised quality over quantity, preferring to spend the club’s modest resources on a handful of matchwinners rather than squad fillers. Rosport’s current squad comprises just 24 players – five of whom haven’t played a single minute in the 2024–25 BGL Ligue.

Survival now looks all but assured. With everyone below them in worse form, the coaching staff can begin planning for next season. We’re likely to see some fresh faces – but the formula won’t change: hard work, the “dark arts”, and just enough points to survive another year.

Around the pitches

Mondorf are closing in on a top-six finish after a 2–1 win in Pétange that never really looked in doubt.

The Angry Goats took an early lead, controlled the game, and doubled their advantage on the hour mark before Valentin Fuss scored a late consolation for UTP, who have little left to play for.
Jeunesse Esch surprised UNA Strassen with a confident performance and a 3–2 win, holding off a comeback attempt after going 3–0 up. Both sides converted penalties. Reinhold Breu can be optimistic – the former German FA director will take over from the departing Arnaud Bordi this summer.

SC Bettembourg can still be relegated mathematically, but another impressive defensive display earned them a crucial point at home against Racing Union Luxembourg. The result keeps them in the race for automatic survival, while RFCUL look set to miss out on European competition altogether.
Champions Differdange stumbled unexpectedly, failing to score against newly-promoted Rodange – though they kept another clean sheet, with only five goals conceded in 27 matches. Rodange are now three points clear of direct relegation, and with their fate in their own hands, the play-off spot is within reach.

Niederkorn cruised to a routine victory over a Hostert side missing star player Kenan Avdusinović amid transfer speculation. The result effectively ends the winger’s Golden Boot hopes, while the Wasps remain in the hunt for a podium finish – and a possible UEFA Conference League spot, pending the outcome of their licence appeal.