Defender Sandro Lauper reflects on YB’s narrow 1-0 loss to Inter Milan, highlighting the danger posed by substitute players Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Despite YB’s strong performance and a missed opportunity for a draw worth €700,000, the match ended in disappointment as a late goal from Thuram sealed the win for Inter. YB, struggling in both the Champions League and domestic league, faces challenges ahead but seeks to regain stability and success under interim coach Joël Magnin.
Following YB’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Milan, defender Sandro Lauper remarked, “If you can still use Thuram and Martínez, then…” This highlights the significant threat posed by Inter’s substitutes.
Argentinian striker Lautaro Martínez, 27, was a key player in his country’s 2022 World Cup triumph. He was also the top scorer in Serie A last season with 24 goals, demonstrating his knack for finding the net almost every other match for the national team. Similarly, Marcus Thuram, also 27, is a French international who featured prominently in the 2022 World Cup final.
Another notable player, Federico Dimarco, is known for his powerful physique. Christian Constantin, FC Sion’s president, once suggested a mysterious multi-million offer for Dimarco. Although he joined Sion from Milan, he returned to Italy after a brief stint marred by injury and just nine appearances. Nevertheless, his value surged despite limited playtime.
Prominent Substitutes Propel Inter to Victory
Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi chose to bench key players Thuram, Martínez, and Dimarco initially, which contributed to YB’s sense of a missed opportunity. In the dying moments of the match, these substitutes combined to secure a last-minute goal, with Thuram netting the decisive strike.
The match concluded soon after, leaving several YB players stunned and disheartened. This defeat was particularly tough to swallow during a season characterized by uncertainty and a coaching shift. YB had fought valiantly against a formidable opponent.
YB goalkeeper David von Ballmoos’s critical save of Marko Arnautovic’s penalty shortly after halftime had raised hopes for a better outcome. In contrast to their earlier Champions League outings against Aston Villa and Barcelona, YB showed more defensive solidity. However, they still found themselves second to last in the table, as Slovan Bratislava had a worse goal difference.
Worthwhile Draw Denied
The draw against Inter would have been a financial boon, worth 700,000 euros, enhancing YB’s standing in the league. Nevertheless, at this moment, financial matters are secondary; the club is focused on achieving stability and unity.
After the narrow defeat, Lauper praised the team’s fighting spirit over their gameplay, suggesting that their match plan was nearly effective. Interim coach Joël Magnin made significant changes to the lineup, altering seven positions from a previous win against FC Luzern, highlighting the team’s need for cohesion.
Magnin’s rotations reflect the challenges YB faces, as frequent changes have not translated into improved performance on the pitch. The team lacks a clear hierarchy and structure, leading to inconsistency. When adjustments are made, they often do not yield the desired results. This indicates that while YB has depth in their roster, there’s also an element of unpredictability in performance.
Close Calls and Future Matches
During the match against Inter, with a bit of luck, YB could have celebrated a major upset, as Joël Monteiro nearly struck gold by hitting the post. The match illustrated that YB was not entirely outmatched on the field, leading to speculation about what could have been in a stronger season.
For now, however, YB must focus on upcoming critical championship matches: an away game in Lugano, followed by a home encounter against FC Basel, and then a trip to FC Zurich. While being at the bottom of the Champions League is manageable, their position in the Super League is far more pressing.