Rotated Differdange back to winning ways

Differdange became the most successful Luxembourgish team in Europe over the last three years by reaching the last round of UEFA Conference League qualifiers two weeks ago. Their opponents in the final round, Drita, were widely considered favourites to progress, but a chance for an upset was on the cards.
 
As a result, Differdange provided a compelling case to convince three domestic opponents (Mamer 32, Racing Luxembourg, and Rodange 91) in a row to postpone league clashes on the weekends for sufficient preparation for the showpiece occasions.
 
Despite an impressive first-leg showing, Differdange ultimately fell short in Europe, as their Kosovar opponents triumphed both home and away. The second victory was sealed amid a series of contentious refereeing decisions, beginning with the third-minute dismissal of striker Andreas Buch – a decision that provoked widespread anger among the FCD fanbase.

Buch himself did not escape criticism, having been punished for a reckless challenge in the opposition half early on. The German forward, however, responded on Sunday against Jeunesse Canach, making amends with his first league goal of the season – a poacher’s finish from a low cross by Adham El Idrissi.

By that point, the reigning champions needed a breakthrough badly, having fallen behind in the 11th minute. Former Niederkorn midfielder Brian Amofa capitalised after Differdange’s defence failed to deal with a deep free-kick, slotting home from close range.

The hosts took time to settle, but once they found their rhythm, victory never looked in doubt. Buch’s equaliser was swiftly followed by El Idrissi’s strike just after half-time, before João Ricciulli wrapped things up late on.

The three points were vital for Differdange, whose line-up had been heavily rotated following their European campaign, handing chances to fringe players. New manager Pedro Silva also introduced a tactical shake-up, abandoning predecessor Pedro Resende’s three-man defence in favour of a more attack-minded system.

The hybrid formation paid dividends – even if against significantly weaker opposition than Drita last Thursday. Anchoring midfielder Leandro was tasked with a complex role, dropping into defence during build-up play before stepping back into midfield as attacks developed, operating in the mould of a modern-day “libero.”

Silva’s starting XI underlined his attacking intent, with five forward-thinking players – Artur Abreu, Buch, El Idrissi, Boris Mfoumou and Edgar Pacheco – all included, despite Pacheco’s lack of prior experience at this level. The message was clear: Differdange trust their ability to impose a relentless attacking style on any BGL Ligue opponent, and Canach’s vulnerable defence offered ample opportunity to do so.

While exploiting the weaknesses of a newly-promoted side was the bare minimum expected of FCD, what will reassure Silva most is the smooth manner in which his team adapted to his methods – a clear departure from Resende’s more conservative, defence-first approach.

The Rosport fairy tale continues

Victoria Rosport extended their unbeaten streak to five games with a win against UN Käerjéng on Sunday to keep their second place in the table.
 
320 spectators watched on in the PartyRent Arena as Rosport came from behind to defeat the newcomers from Bascharage, who took the lead less than ten minutes in from the penalty spot.
 
Despite operating on a shoestring budget, Victoria keeps punching above their weight and producing surprises every season. They kept most of their core from last season, retaining high performers such as Niklas Bürger, Johannes Steinbach, Michel Bechtold, or the returning midfielder Ben Vogel. The challenge was to replace the departing squad players with capable replacements.
 
Against Käerjéng, it was Steinbach who stole the show once again: the roaming midfielder found the net straight from a corner, catching goalkeeper Christopher González by surprise for the equaliser.
 
Steinbach proved critical, providing an assist for new striker Frederick Kyereh in the 68th minute to clinch all three points and stay within two points of leaders F91 Dudelange.
 
Regardless of their promising start, Rosport’s aims for the season won’t change. The sooner they ensure safety, the better, but an upper mid-table position is the best the team can realistically look for this season, especially if it comes hand-in-hand with a deep run in the Luxembourgish Cup, which remains on the cards.

Have Atert Bissen turned a corner?

Atert Bissen achieved their first-ever victory in the National Division by winning their fifth game, away against Swift Hesperange.
 
A Hesper team in transition showed some encouraging signs last month with a string of impressive displays propelling this newly assembled team back in the top half, with early dreams of a European spot.
 
Manager Hakim Menaï adapted to his revamped squad rapidly, taking the league by storm before the cracks started to appear last week. Their loss against Bissen is the first unexpected loss of the season, as the 4-1 battering taken in Niederkorn can be attributed to the gap in individual quality between the clubs.
 
Atert were the team with the most intense recruitment drive throughout the summer, after achieving their historic first promotion from the Ehrenpromotion in a narrow win over Bettembourg. Arrivals included Eldin Rastoder from Strassen, Lenny Almada Correia from Racing FCUL and two former Luxembourgish champions in Mehdi Terki and Toufik Zeghdane (members of the victorious 2022/23 Hesperange team).
 
In light of their hard work at the negotiating table, results were slightly disappointing in the first couple of games of the season. They fell behind against Hesper too, when attacker Gaël Nsombi rifled in a rebound after a corner in the second half.
 
For all the new faces in the building, it took one of last season’s biggest revelations, dynamic midfielder Khalid Abi, to emerge as the leader of his team as Bissen powered through and turned the game on its head in the space of five minutes. Swift’s defenders had no answer to Abi’s late runs into the box to get on the end of two chances in quick succession.
 
In the last half hour, Atert Bissen’s fans had to hold their breath several times as Hesper threatened to cancel out Abi’s efforts, ultimately in vain. Atert collected the three points, finally combining a neat brand of football with the finishing required at this level.
 
The squad has several players who can motivate their teammates in the dressing room after breaking the glass ceiling. Luxembourg’s record appearance holder Daniel da Mota returned for his last dance. Adriel backed up a stellar campaign last season with a solid start this year. Dave Turpel’s career lay in tatters after a severe car accident in 2020, but his experience and leadership can be worth its weight in gold for some players playing top-flight football for the first time in their careers.
 
Bissen are set to face Victoria Rosport and Union Titus Pétange after the international break – winnable matches on paper, even with Rosport’s surprising start to the season. A win or two there could prove crucial for Vítor Pereira’s crew in the final stages in May.

Around the pitches

Jeunesse Esch claimed their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Rodange 91 with a 4-0 victory. David Soares and Tim Flick both registered a goal and an assist as the record champions leapt out of early relegation danger and back into mid-table. For Rodange, it was a step backwards after last week’s promising display at home, leaving them stuck in the bottom half on five points from four games.

F91 Dudelange and Racing Union Luxembourg contested one of the weekend’s most anticipated fixtures, though it unfolded differently to expectations. Dudelange were more compact and disciplined without the ball than in recent outings, while Racing’s risky 4-2-4 setup limited the hosts’ opportunities on the counter. António Gomes’ opener for F91 was cancelled out by Mehdi Kirch, the 1-1 draw keeping Dudelange top of the table as Racing remain winless after four matches.

Mamer 32 threatened an upset away at Mondorf when Rachid Erragui pounced on a rare mistake from goalkeeper João Machado. The “Angry Goats” responded in style: Alexis Bourigeaud equalised directly from a free-kick, before in-form winger Loris Tinelli unintentionally lobbed the keeper to put Mondorf ahead. New signing Lenny Stoltz struck late on to seal the 3-1 result, sending Mondorf into the top four, while Mamer’s record now stands at two wins and two defeats.

Union Titus Pétange remain in limbo as the search for a new manager drags on following Kiril Rachev’s departure before the season. Owner Ado Kojo once again took charge on the touchline and came close to masterminding an upset against Progrès Niederkorn. In the end, Niederkorn’s attacking quality proved decisive, as Kenan Avdusinović grabbed the winner to underline their patchy, inconsistent start to the campaign.

UNA Strassen, meanwhile, look back to their free-scoring best under Stefano Bensi. Fresh from a 3-0 win over Pétange, they dismantled Hostert 4-0, despite several excellent saves from goalkeeper Teddy da Silva. Two penalties, converted by Matheus and Nicolas Perez, set Strassen on their way to a commanding victory that keeps them in the top three. Hostert remain in the top half despite the setback.

What’s next?

Luxembourg’s senior men’s national team begin the Jeff Strasser era with two World Cup qualifiers: away to Northern Ireland on 4 September, followed by a home clash with Slovakia on 9 September.

Domestically, FC Differdange will catch up on postponed fixtures, visiting Mamer on Wednesday, 3 September before hosting Racing Luxembourg a week later.

The National Division resumes with Matchday 6 on Saturday, 13 September.