RSCA loses at Antwerp and finishes third

Sunday, on Sunday May 26, the Champions' Play-Offs of the 2023/204 season came to an end. Sporting traveled to the Bosuil for its last match, where it had to win and count on a favorable result on other pitches to finish higher than third place. RSCA traveled to Antwerp with a damaged selection. In addition to Majeed Ashimeru, Thorgan Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Kasper Schmeichel, Francis Amuzu (sick) and Killian Sardella (injured) were also added to the list of absentees. Brian Riemer, who himself had to sit in the stands under suspension, therefore brought in an unprecedented lineup with Colin Coosememans in goal, Louis Patris on the right and Thomas Delaney in midfield.

The first chance of the match came from Jacob Ondrejka for Antwerp. After that, RSCA took more and more control of the match, with no fewer than three chances for Anders Dreyer, who each time just failed to score. On the half hour, Thomas Delaney also almost scored, his header just missing the target. However, the score remained 0-0, and Antwerp also had more chances afterwards. First Colin Coosemans had to respond to another attempt by Ondrejka, and then Zeno Debast intervened well on an attempt by George Ilenikhena. But it was still Sporting who took the lead. Just before half-time, Kasper Dolberg set Anders Dreyer on his way to goal, and he managed to score the opening goal. 0-1 at half time.

After halftime, Mats Rits took a free kick which went over. Anders Dreyer then tried from far away, Lammens saved. Then Antwerp started pushing. At first without success, but after an hour of playing they succeeded. RSCA lost the ball at the back and was punished mercilessly by Eliot Matazo. 1-1. Luis Vazquez and Mario Stroeykens then came between the lines, and a few chances followed, but without success. On the contrary: goals were scored on the other side. First Mahamadou Doumbia, and in the final phase also Michel Ange Balikwisha, deepened the score to 3-1.

That means RSCA finally finishes third. It is certain of a European group stage. As it stands now, RSCA will play in the play-off preliminary round of the Europa League in August. If it wins there, it will advance to the group stage of the Europa League, if it loses it will play the group stage of the Conference League. If Borussia Dortmund wins the final of the Champions League against Real Madrid however, RSCA will not play the European preliminary round and is certain of playing in the group stage of the Europa League.