It’s certainly the game of the year for FC Seraing, which faces RWDM this Saturday evening at the Pairay stadium in the decisive second leg of the D1A play-offs. After having negotiated the first leg well (victory of the Sérésiens, 0-1, in Molenbeek), the steelworkers must now confirm at home with the support of their supporters since the match will be sold out. The reds and blacks therefore have every reason to be confident even if the battle is not yet won. A few hours before this crucial match, we took the temperature on the banks of the Meuse.
“Nothing is done. Admittedly, we have accomplished half of the journey by winning in Molenbeek but we must now finish the job this Saturday at home”. These words of Yahya Nadrani reflect the state of mind of the Seresians before tackling the return match of these play-offs between the penultimate of the D1A and the 2nd of the D1B. The captain of FC Seraing expects a big fight this Saturday against RWDM: “We know that the Molenbeekois are not lacking in quality. They are a very good team. We were able to realize that during the first leg but we still managed to win. A deserved victory but this small goal gap does not allow us the slightest relaxation. It is up to us to take this meeting very seriously, as we did last Saturday. We must start this match to win it, regardless of the result of the first leg “. Despite the importance of the issue, the native of Saint-Etienne does not seem to feel any particular pressure. “ There is no pressure but a lot of concentration and the desire to do well. Of course, it’s a high-stakes match, but we still have a little experience in this area since we already took part in and won these play-offs last year against Waasland-Beveren. It is up to us to properly manage this parameter which could have an impact on this match “
“We will have to impose our rhythm”
The Seraing players will therefore not speculate based on the, short, victory obtained in Molenbeek. Yahya Nadrani intends to continue the momentum of the first leg by showing himself dominating: “We have to start the match the same way as 8 days ago. By being conquerors and as if it were still 0-0. With a lot of desire while imposing our rhythm on the opponent. Not to let the people of Molenbeek hope and try to score a goal first. If we manage to lead in this second leg, the RWDM will start to doubt and then we could take advantage”. To make this scenario a reality, the French defender is banking on the liveliness of Liège’s offensive trident: “We are obviously counting on the effectiveness of Georges Mikautadze but also on Youssef Maziz et Marius. With our attackers, we are well equipped for this duel against Molenbeek but we will also have to be careful not to cash in. With a new clean sheet, we will be sure to stay in D1A. We are ready in all sectors. The attackers are also the first defenders thanks to their pressure, even if we know that the whole team will have to play at their best level to win these play-offs “.
General mobilization
To ensure its retention among the elite, FC Seraing relies on the support of its supporters. Le Pairay will be packed with 7,200 spectators including 1,200 Brussels supporters for this decisive match against RWDM. Enough to boost the steelworkers who rely on the support of the 12th man. A significant asset for the French defender: “This is perhaps what we missed this season during a few matches even if against Standard, the stadium was also full, but here we are obviously very happy to have the public with us. undeniably a plus. What galvanize the team to try to obtain the best result and thus achieve our objective, namely to maintain in D1A “.
“Seraing deserves to stay in the Pro League”
It is therefore the moment of truth for the steelworkers who, according to their captain, deserve to stay in the Pro League: “We should have avoided the play-offs. We were unlucky at times, but that’s how it is. There’s no need to go back to the past. What matters is this match against RWDM. We now have our destiny in our hands. It’s up to us to do what is necessary to hang on to the support and thus extend our adventure in D1A”.
It should be noted that for this crucial confrontation, Jean Louis Garciathe coach of Seraing, should be able to count on the return of the defender Gerald Kilota and the winger Antoine Bernierabsent last Saturday at the Edmond Machtens stadium, even if these two players, usually holders, should not start the meeting. Apart from Sami Lahssainithe Sérésien workforce should therefore be complete for this oh so important match against RWDM.
