The first thrill of the derby was the Algerian international who brought it, with this very beautiful shot in the middle of the race which forced Schmeichel to take a spectacular break (8th). As if his confidence had suddenly returned, his choices were much happier. And his shots, fairer, even from a distance: his raid in the 26th ended with a floating shot that the Danish goalkeeper boxed as best he could for a corner. Ditto on this other complicated shot from 25 meters, which Schmeichel released with a tap (64th).
Doku-style stats
We have deplored his lack of altruism – which could sometimes annoy his teammates – enough not to emphasize how much he also played with others and for others on Sunday. With the exception of an almost impossible bicycle, he made the right choices, between solo numbers and passes to teammates better placed than him. Often served by Nilsson this season, he returned the favor, this time with a formidable cross from the outside of the foot (60th) or on this other cross for the Swede's head (72nd).
Blessin discusses Burgess injury and possibility of him missing Cup final
Sometimes too selfish throughout the match when his team did not find the opening, Amoura remained collective until the end, this time. Another of his passes could, or even should, have been transformed into an “assist” by Sykes, who propelled this golden ball over the top (77th). He also served Castro-Montes for a shot pushed back from the shoulder by Gattoni (90th) and which pushed the Marien stadium to believe in the penalty.
His statistics sheet opposite is worth a look. Above all, we found what makes his number one strength: his great dribbling ability. “Bip bip” managed 9 in 11 attempts; the best total of the match and a figure he had not reached since November. Only Puertas completed more sprints (35) than Amoura (28), whose top speed was measured at 34.4 km/h, here also the best figure for his team, just beaten by Vazquez (35.9 km /h).
Mask and Ramadan
In short, it was great Amoura. Such as we hadn't seen for months. In the trough at the end of the classic phase and at the start of the playoffs – only one goal scored in eight championship matches – he seems to have found the exit from the tunnel.
I never doubted his return to his best level.
”He has re-stabilized his form”, deciphered Blessin on Sunday evening, without wanting to make too much of an individuality. “We've talked a lot about him in recent weeks, about his difficulties with Ramadan and this broken bone in his face. (editor’s note: which deprived him of the first game of the playoffs and forced him to play the next two with a mask). These last three matches, he has returned to his normal level; the one he always played before. He has been very active, worked and his speed is an important factor. Was this his best game in 2024? Up to you. For this, the ideal would have been for him to score; it's always important for an attacker. But, in the end, I am happy with his performance. I never doubted that he would come back, even if sometimes his level dropped. It was up to us to help him get out of it and that's what we saw in the last three matches.”
He is back at the best time, while two matches are looming where the Unionist assets will have to be at their best, to hope to win a Cup final which promises to be tense and a trip to Bruges that looks like a last chance for the title . “He was incredible”, praised Cameron Puertas on Sunday. “This is the Mohammed that everyone knows: he scored two weeks ago, then he made a 'pass'. He regains confidence. Only with a Momo like that can you be champion.” Or that the Union can win the Cup.
