Strasbourg’s remarkable 4–0 comeback victory over Mainz in the Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday night saw Chelsea-bound Valentin Barco and the returning Emanuel Emegha shine.
Strasbourg’s recent European heroics have served as an audition for Valentin Barco and Emanuel Emegha, two BlueCo prospects who appear increasingly ready for the bright lights of Chelsea.
Barco has been the breakout in France this season; moving away from his traditional defensive roots, he has reinvented himself as a creative midfielder.
Emegha, meanwhile, has endured a testing campaign defined more by the treatment table than the score, yet his brief, explosive cameos offered some promise for his move to Chelsea.
As both players prepare to swap the Meinau for Stamford Bridge this summer, it remains to be seen as to whether buying more of the younger generation will pay off.
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Valentin Barco and Emanuel Emegha play a part in Strasbourg’s win over Mainz
Valentin Barco was the architect of the 4–0 turnaround, winning a crucial second-half penalty. Meanwhile, Emanuel Emegha, despite seeing his initial spot-kick saved, showed resilience to head home the fourth, completing a historic comeback that booked Strasbourg’s European semi-final spot.
French outlet Maxifoot have given a review of Strasbourg’s win over Mainz, hailing Barco for his display, while Emegha wasn’t given a rating.
Valentin Barco (8.5): The Argentine midfielder delivered a match of extraordinary character. Injured in the ankle in the second half, the playmaker continued on one leg to direct the game, provoke and win the penalty. Always able to break lines despite the pain, the Albiceleste set the tempo and set an example in self-sacrifice. A memorable, almost heroic performance, despite this yellow card that will make him miss the first leg against Rayo Vallecano.
Emegha (not rated), who missed his penalty before scoring the fourth goal to capsize the Meinau for good.
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Emanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco’s stats vs Mainz
Emanuel Emegha had two shots on target, one big chance missed, one tackle, one clearance, won one duel and lost five, as well as just nine touches in 32 minutes.
On the other hand, Barco was a standout. The midfielder had four out of four successful dribbles, 83 touches (most in the match), 44 out of 57 accurate passes, four tackles, three blocks, three recoveries, one clearance, 13 duels won and five lost.
All stats via FotMob.
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