After Sturm's defeat

France’s press: “Austrians were suffocated”

Sturm Graz were clearly beaten by Lille in the first leg of the Conference League round of 16. "The Austrians were stifled, put under pressure and robbed of their balls", wrote France's press. 

The French press comments after the first leg of the round of 16 between Sturm Graz and Lille (0:3) on Thursday in Graz:

"La voix du Nord": "LOSC remain unpredictable and on some evenings that's very pleasant. Sturm Graz didn't see the attack coming. The Austrians were stifled, put under pressure and robbed of their balls, so that their shortcomings, especially the technical ones, blew up in their faces. Graz were knocked out in the pouring rain, but the atmosphere remained exceptional, with the Austrian Ultras still singing and waving flags in stoppage time."

"L'Equipe": "With a 3-0 win at Sturm Graz in the first leg of the Europa Conference League round of 16, LOSC are likely to reach the quarter-finals of a continental competition for the first time. With such a clear victory at a club that was still unbeaten in 2024, Lille have hit the bull's eye and can look forward to the next games with great composure."

"RMC Sport": "In the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa Conference League, LOSC taught SK Sturm Graz a lesson in Austria on Thursday (0:3). The worst is over, the northern French side now have nine toes in the quarter-finals and only have to manage in Lille in a week's time."

"Le Parisien": "With a controlled performance, the LOSC celebrated a quiet victory in Austria on Thursday evening. In a week's time, it welcomes Sturm Graz with a three-goal lead. Lille can aim for the Conference League title against their main rivals Ajax Amsterdam, Aston Villa and Fenerbahçe."