Standard was again unable to win on Saturday in the Conference League Play-offs. This time the Rouches kept it at a 1-1 against Sint-Truiden.
Standard had to chase after fifteen minutes after a goal by Ryoya Ogawa. Standout Jonathan Panzo brought the Rouches level after the break, but they did not get any further. Again no victory for Ivan Leko and co.
Epolo makes his debut at Standard
It was striking at Standard that Matthieu Epolo (19) was allowed to make his debut with the big boys. The youngster replaced the injured Arnaud Bodart and had to turn around once. “I didn’t put any pressure on myself,” Epolo responded afterwards RTBF. “I had positive stress before I went on the field. I had the support of my teammates and supporters.”
Epolo only heard the news shortly before the match. “I heard two days before the match that I would play. I was overjoyed. We may be in a bad position at the moment, but Standard is still a great club. One of the biggest in Belgium,” said Epolo.
Epolo remains in goal
According to La Dernière Heure Epolo will also remain in goal for the rest of the season. That’s what Ivan Leko would have decided. “I’m always going to give 100%. If the coach wants me to play, then I’ll play. If I was on the field on Saturday, it was because I deserved it. It’s not a gift.”
Standard travels to OH Leuven on matchday 7. It then hosts Westerlo and AA Gent, to end the play-offs on the field of KV Mechelen.
