Royal Union Auderghem

The match against Royal Union Auderghem, played by FC Irlande Ladies III, closes the Brussels derby weekend.

FCI starts the match in possession of the ball. From the first minutes, FCI suffers from the aggressiveness and pressure of RUA and fails to play its game. RUA breaches multiple times FCI’s defence and, at the 20’, opens the scoring. FCI reacts and, in a few minutes, has two clear scoring changes to equalise. Soon, RUA takes back control of the game and by the end of the first half doubles its lead. The first half ends 2-0.

After the last two matches’ experience, FCI players are aware is possible to overturn the first half score. RUA starts the second half with the same intensity, while FCI, despite the effort, struggles to find space to create the opportunity to reopen the match. At the 76’, RUA scores the final goal that closed the match with a result of 3-0.

Not the match we expected to play that ended with a disappointing result. Now, the only thing we can do is to understand our mistakes and understand how we can work on them, still aware of our value and strength.

The highly anticipated derby between FC Irlande Ladies III and Royal Union Auderghem took place on Sunday, 16 November, months after the summer friendly match.

FCI enters the pitch motivated to demonstrate that the previous results against RUA did not reflect the value of the team and the progress made in these months. FCI starts the game with intensity, putting pressure on the opponent and preventing them from creating dangerous scoring actions. The teams are equivalent and incapable of breaking through the respective defences. At 36’, a cross from RUA’s right wing becomes a goal-scoring chance that RUA uses to open the scoring. FCI knows that the match is not over and continues playing its game. RUA defends well and does not concede enough space to FCI to find the goal. The first half finished 0-1.

In the second half, FCI gives everything to equalise. FCI does not suffer too much in defence, at the same time, struggles to create effective attacking actions against an opponent that can maintain its composure, fight for every ball and defend in an orderly manner. The clearest opportunity to score comes from a shot by Anna that the opponent’s goalie blocks. The match ends 1-0 for RUA.

Although the result of this match was extremely disappointing, we should be proud of our performance, effort and of the massive difference compared to this summer’s friendly.