A Liege of their own!

Status
Not open for further replies.
TottenhamBoi90 said:
Thanks mate, I think European performances would raise the reputation. Its happend in real life with Zenit St.Petersburg raising the reputation of the Russian League and now theyve even got the World Cup. I fear it might take longer than i thought initially though cause i cant even bring in like Helder Postiga lol. Rejected for Fiorentina but i suppose thats understandable lol. Keep following buddy.
Click to expand...

Well, that's more of a challenge then, ey? ;)

Yeah I know, and Belgium is an up and coming football nation, atleast they seem to be with all the young stars coming from there in this FM. But yeah, you probably have to do some extensive scouting around Belgium, in countries like Holland, Switzerland and Austria and perhaps some lesser east europe. Some quality in Serbia and Croatia, perhaps Bulgaria and Romania. Anyways, I got a bit long, good luck and I'll keep an eye on this!​
 
CaptainCrazy said:
Well, that's more of a challenge then, ey? ;)​



Yeah I know, and Belgium is an up and coming football nation, atleast they seem to be with all the young stars coming from there in this FM. But yeah, you probably have to do some extensive scouting around Belgium, in countries like Holland, Switzerland and Austria and perhaps some lesser east europe. Some quality in Serbia and Croatia, perhaps Bulgaria and Romania. Anyways, I got a bit long, good luck and I'll keep an eye on this!​
Click to expand...

Youve hit the nail on the head there. Those nations are what im looking at. 1 scout is picking out a good amount of talent from South Korea as well, they seem to have good current ability but there ageing players. I think loan deals will be key as ive got massive talents with Boyata, Pedersen and Tom De Mul all at the club at the moment. The big 5 leagues can aid me in that but im looking foward to the challenge of finding some players in the above mentioned countries.
Ive just been shocked at the league format which ill post up in March because its probably unfamiliar to most FM's on here. Next update will be around 9/10 tomorrow because ive got work in the morning and ive got to play the rest of March.​
 
Its the final countdown! (March-Mid March 11)
Only 1 game left in the Pro League campaign and Standard are definately finishing ahead of the rest. All eyes are on the first game of March with KV Mechelen in the Semi-Final of the Belgian Cup. Standard Liege's English manager Chris Saunt is going into unknown territory with the league split the team now face 10 more fixtures along with the Cup campaign.​

Standard Liege 3 - 1 KV Mechelen (Belgian Cup Semi-Final Leg 1)
25 minutes into this cup tie and Mechelen made the task ahead alot harder for themselves when Ali Mathlouthi was sent off for a reckless challenge on Filipe. It stayed level until just after half time when a goal mouth scramble after a corner was turned in by Victor Ramos. On the hour Nicklas Pedersen continued his fine goalscoring form with a brilliant hit from just inside the box to make it 2-0. Manunga hit the bar 12 minutes from time but the next goal always looked like coming from Liege and it was Axel Witsel's 11th goal of the season from 20 yards who got the 3rd goal on 83'. Okoduwa pulled 1 back in stoppage time with a shot that cracked the post before going in. 3-1 Standard Liege and the advantage in the tie is firmly in their favour.​

KV Mechelen 1 - 1 Standard Liege
Boyata is back but only fit enough for the bench. In the first half despite Axel Witsel's inspirational performance and Standard's over all complete dominance just before half time Mechelen took the lead when a free-kick came of the post twice before Van Hoevelen tapped into an empty net. It stayed like that until the 86th minute when Defour fired in from the edge of the box to rescue a point on Matchday 30 of the Pro League.​


The Pro League now splits into 4 seperate leagues.
Championship Group (Decides Winner of the League)
European Places Play-Off Group A
European Places Play-Off Group B
Play-Offs (Decides Relegation)
Standard Liege now have 10 more fixtures this season to play along with the Belgian Cup Semi-Final and a possible Final.​
 
Last edited:
A Liege of their own! (End of March 11)

AA Gent 2 - 3 Standard Liege
After a 2 week break from the league the Championship Group kicks off for these 2 sides and only Daniel Opare who is away on international duty is unavalible to Chris Saunt. The match itself started off with a disgusting lunge from Yassine El Ghanassy and was rightly giving his marching orders by the referee. That soured the first half but not the 2nd as Standard Liege came back out and scored on 51' when M'Baye Leye connected with Franck Berrier's cross. Aspas pulled Gent back level after 63'. That lasted only 10 mins as Defour's corner was met by the head of Filipe and Liege were back infront. Gent came back again on 83' when they won and scored a penalty kick by Hanstveit. The game still wasnt done as Standard threw on Prince Tagoe from the bench to score a dramatic late winner on 88 minutes to seal the first win of the Championship Group. ​

Van Damme Injury!
Jelle Van Damme suffers injury set back with Hip injury and has been sent to a specialist which will keep him sidelined for at least 3 months. Saunt said in an interview after the match "Well hes 27 now and i want him fit for the start of next season, Getting it sorted with the club could take upto around 6 months and hes became a regular first time player since he arrived in January. Injections would take a couple months even longer than that so he'll see a specialist and i wish him well with his recovery."​

KV Mechelen 1 - 2 Standard Liege (Belgian Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg)
Both teams started this game in thunderous fashion with Pedersen and Okoduwa both hitting paintwork in the opening 13 minutes. Okoduwa found the net on 33' as poor defending caught Liege out from a corner. The lead lasted till half time not for much longer as Victor Ramos deflected in a shot from Mehdi Carcela. On 66 minutes Standard took the lead after a deep corner was headed back in by Filipe and Victor Ramos headed in. Amick Ciani missed numerous times for Mechelen and eventually time ran out. Standard the winners, 5-2 on aggregate, The Belgian Cup Final against Lokeren awaits for Liege fans.​

 
Fixture congestion? (April 11)
March was successful in both league and cup. April will shape just how succesful first season in charge it will be for Chris Saunt. The task ahead is fierce with matches against Club Brugge and Anderlecht.

Standard Liege 1 - 1 Germinal Beerschot
Carcela and Leye are unavailable for this match with international duty and suspension respectively. After 13 minutes Dosunmu scored for GBA, Not what Standard had planned it was made worse when De Mul got injured just before half time. The break helped Liege and after 49 minutes Witsel ran at the GBA defence and let fly from the edge of the box. Great goal. It finished 1-1, Liege didnt push for the win enough and GBA hold out for the draw.​

Standard Liege 1 - 0 Club Brugge
Standard Liege have been battered in the Pro League games against Brugge this season so in this game they opted for a 4-5-1 and planned to attack on the counter attack. At Half time very little had happend in the first half. The second half started well with Pedersen being denied twice by the Brugge keeper and then Brugge were denied by Pocognoli heading off the goal line. The break through goal in the game came from Standard Liege as Tom De Mul put in Pedersen to score. On 79 minutes the game changed as Victor Ramos was sent off for a 2nd bookable offence. Despite that, the 10 men held out for a massive result in the Championship Group. 5 points clear now.​

Anderlecht 1 - 1 Standard Liege
Pickpocket Boussoufa clipped the ball off the defender and charged into a 1 on 1 position with Sinan Bolat and no mistake with the finish, 1-0 Anderlecht. It wasnt a great game but in the 86th minute a Carcela cross was fumbled by the keeper a Defour poked it home. A good draw for Standard Liege, unbeaten so far in the Clasico Belge Derby.​

Standard Liege 1 - 0 Lokeren
This game was very much a battle of the goalkeepers and it looked like they would be the only winners in the match as Leye and Berrier wasted chance after chance. Copa in the Lokeren goal then would have been gutted to concede in stoppage time and 5 minutes into it his nightmare came true as a Defour corner was headed in by Dedryck Boyata. Delierium in the stands as Liege go marching on. All the more sweet was Club Brugge losing and that goal meaning Standard Liege move 6 points clear.​

Standard Liege 1 - 1 AA Gent
Just 10 minutes was on the board as Boyata met a Carcela corner to make it 1-0. The next goal came on 58', A turn and shot from Coulibaly that rattled in off the bar. The game fizzled out into a stale mate but Liege stay 6 points clear after Anderlecht and Brugge drew 2-2. Standard are now unbeaten in 14 games.​

Club Brugge 1 - 1 Standard Liege
Quarter of an hour in Victor Ramos professional foul denying a clear goal scoring opportunity is sent off. Superb Quick thinking from Carcela as he takes a quick free-kick to Pedersen who drills in for 1-0. After half time Kouemaha strikes post for Club Brugge, Sinan Bolat well beaten but it stays level. But Brugge roared on with Roorda eqalising, sloppy defending from corner left Saunt fuming. In the last 10 minutes Pocognoli got injured and was taken off, Standard down to 9 men but it ends level. Another draw but it keeps the lead at the top at 6 points. ​

Germinal Beerschot 0 - 3 Standard Liege
Liege flew out the blocks in this one with Tchite crossing for Pedersen who finished. Dedryck Boyata doubled Standards lead on 9 minutes and soon it was 3 after Axel Witsel twisted and turned on the edge of the box before striking the back of the net. Just before half time Pedersen had his shot deflected onto the crossbar and Carcela did no better with the rebound as he hit the post. Despite fantastic football and possession in the second half they couldnt extend the lead but 3-0 suggests a comfortable win and it was.​

League Table
View attachment 127475​

Player of the Month
View attachment 127476​
 
Its all about trophies! (May 11)
The conclusion of both League and Cup campaigns for Standard Liege await in May. Its far from just only 3 games. They can win the title at home to Anderlecht before going to Lokeren for the final match of the season before they play Lokeren again in the Belgian Cup.

Standard Liege 2 - 0 Anderlecht
Standard Liege only need 1 point from this game to secure the Pro League title. They wouldnt want it any other way securing the title infront of their home fans in the Clasico Belge Derby. Here are the goals, Enjoy!​



Standard Liege 1 - 0 Lokeren
This 2 teams meet in the Belgian Cup final in coming days and Liege have already won the Belgian Pro League but despite that a full strength side is named and duly delivered after 13 minutes when Defour's corner found Boyata to score. It stayed like that until half time and after 60 minutes the big men came off for Liege to give fringe players some action. The game ended with a 1-0 win for Liege and continues their unbeaten run to 18 going into the Belgian Cup final.​


Standard Liege 0 - 1 Lokeren (Belgian Cup Final)
Van Damme, Pocognoli, Goreux, Tagoe and Menga all watch from the stands. Liege are hunting for their first Belgian Cup triumph since 1993. M'Baye Leye started with Pedersen upfront but as he went back to defend a free-kick he conceded a penalty after just 3 minutes. It was scored by Leko and first blood was Lokerens. Berrier nearly put Liege level but was denied by a post after 6 minutes. Despite many efforts on goal from Standard Liege they cant get past Copa between the sticks for Lokeren, Half time 1-0 Lokeren. Urgency was needed in the 2nd half for Liege and Standard piled on the pressure. In added time a diving header from Victor Ramos went just wide and Tom De Mul with a fantastic chance fluffed his lines. The full time whistle sounded and a shock win for Lokeren. Unbelievable.​

 
Last edited:
Overall Expectation Update

View attachment 127649View attachment 127650View attachment 127651

1 Season gone then and overall the Pro League hasnt improved at all, Its fallen 3 places in the Competition Rankings but there is hope with the Champions League seedings being improved so that theyll be an automatic Group stage spot for a Belgian side which is an obvious financial benefit and with more money comes better facilities, players and higher wages along with being able to pay higher transfer fees.

Standard Liege meanwhile have moved up 6 places in the Club Rankings to 67th which is a good start for the new management as it shows the club is going foward and progression.

Hopes for next season has to be for the big names in Pro League to stay in Belgium but with big money and dreams over the various borders it wont be easy for the managers or chairman to say no.
On a club level Standard Liege will want to do well in the Champions League whilst trying to retain the Pro League title. The club will also want to try and go 1 better in the Belgian Cup and finally get the trophy back in Liege for the first time since 1993. ​
 

S E A S O N 11-12!​


Pre-Season has gone well and expectations are rising with Standard Liege winning a friendly cup tornament. No biggy but relief to win on penalties and get rid of the sour taste left by Lokeren in the Belgian Cup final.
Standard Liege face Lokeren again in the Belgian Super Cup. Les Rouches also have to qualify in the Champions League for the Play-Offs and get past that stage before entering the group as well as kicking off their defence against Zulte Waregem.​

Transfers In​

Aron Gunnarsson has arrived from Coventry City on a free transfer to add to Standard Liege's already strong central midfield.​

Highly rated young Belgian midfielder Mats Rits has been brought in from Germinal Beerschot for £500k. The deal is a good one for the youngster as he has a chance to gain experience from the likes of Axel Witsel and Steven Defour.​

Transfers Out​

 
Last edited:
July 2011​

Belgian Super Cup
Standard Liege 1 - 0 Lokeren
Team News - Axel Witsel starts right wing, Eliaquim Mangala partners Victor Ramos at centre back. Van Damme is back from injury and Mats Rits is handed a debut.
33 - Axel Witsel crosses for Nong who finishes.
HT - Standard Liege 1-0 Lokeren
76 - Aron Gunnarsson comes on for a debut.
90 - Lokeren’s Goossens strikes the post from 20 yards.
Desperate defending from Liege in the 2 minutes of stoppage time but they hold out to win the Belgian Super Cup.
MOTM - Axel Witsel​

WINNERS!​




Champions League 3rd Qual. Phase Leg 1
Standard Liege 4 - 0 Debrecen
Team News - Boyata joined to late to be registered so is ineligible, Witsel moves back to his central role with Berrier coming into the side, Mats Rits drops to be the bench. Christian Benteke debutises.
1 - Berrier cross fumbled by the keeper and Tchite blasts in on the rebound.
10 - Witsel runs diagonally at the defence but hitting fly to find the far top left corner of the net.
55 - Defour’s corner finds Eliaquim Mangala who couldn’t miss from 2 yards out
67 - Just 12 minutes after that combination worked once again as Mangala makes it 4-0.
76 - Penalty missed by hat-trick bound defender Mangala, off the inside of the post.
86 - Bordas sent off for Debrecen for an elbow on Tagoe.
4-0 Victory!
MOTM - Eliaquim Mangala​


Pro League
Zulte Waregem 0 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Boyata starts as Mangala is forced to settle for the bench.
12 - Bokila’s header hit’s the foot of the post for Zulte.
25 - Berrier (INJ) off - on Leye
72 - Nong carries the ball into the Zulte half beating player after player before hitting the post.
A poor match littered with yellow cards comes to an end. 0-0.
MOTM - Sinan Bolat​
 
Last edited:
This is a great story. At least your guaranteed Group Stage Football unless Debrecen win 5-0...
 
AUGUST 2011​
July went very well after a decent pre-season, Winners of the Belgian Super Cup and a fantastic 4-0 win over Debrecen. Bar a miracle comback theyre into the final play-off round. Heres how August went...​

Champions League 3rd Qual. Phase Leg 2
Debrecen 0 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Rotated squad with Goreux, Pocognoli, Daerden all make 1st appearances of the season.
5 - Prince Tagoe finds the net after springing the offside.
58 - Eliaquim Mangala connects with a Defour corner kick for 2-0.
2-0 win on the night, 6-0 on aggregate as Standard await the draw.
MOTM - Steven Defour​

Pro League
Standard Liege 4 - 0 Club Brugge
Team News - Dolly Menga starts.
9 - Boyata heads Defour’s corner in for 1-0.
16 - Dolly Menga’s receives a pass from Prince Tagoe to score.
18 - Prince Tagoe 1 on 1 the keeper, Shot saved but rebounds to Aron Gunnarsson to stroke into an empty net.
42 - Carcela whips in a free-kick for Boyata to nod in.
HT - Standard Liege 4-0 Club Brugge.
48 - Victor Ramos concedes a penalty but Perisic hit the post
77 - Dedryck Boyata misses penalty after winning the kick, Denied a hat-trick.
MOTM - Prince Tagoe​

Henri Bienvenu signs from Young Boys
Standard Liege have today secured the signed of Young Boys striker Henri Bienvenu for an initial £2m. The deal includes an added £2m over 4 years. Bienvenu scored 17 goals in 26 games for Young Boys last season and if he repeats that feat this season he'll surely become a fan favourite among Les Rouches supporters.​

Yassine El Ghanassy comes in from AA Gent for £2m
Yassine El Ghanassy was today unvieled at a press conference after being transfered into the club from AA Gent for £2m. Saunt is said to be delighted to welcome him to the club and also remarked that now they have enough quality on the wings the strikers cant fail to score this season which was a problem this time last year.​

Danilo Sousa Campos moves to Antwerp for £40,000.​

Pro League
Standard Liege 1 - 1 KV Kortrijk
Team News - El Ghanassy and Bienvenu given debuts.
42 - Many chances for Liege but Axel Witsel’s injury forcing him off to be replaced by Gunnarsson.
48 - Mehdi Carcela scores from scrappy corner. 1-0.
68 - Rossini with the equaliser for Kortrijk.
FT - 1-1, Dissapointing result.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​

Champions League Play-Off 1st Leg
BATE Borisov 0 - 3 Standard Liege
Team News - Witsel injured, Bienvenu and El Ghanassy ineligible
12 - Carcela free-kick and Boyata scores.
31 - Dolly Menga scores after a goal mouth scramble.
89 - Boyata makes it 3 with another commanding header from a Defour corner.
Fantastic 3-0 win against difficult opposition away from home.
MOTM - Dedryck Boyata​

Pro League
Germinal Beerschot 1 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Bienvenu on bench, El Ghanassy starts.
17 - MacDonald scores, GBA have the lead.
A 1st loss of the season and Liege are slipping behind in Pro League.​

Axel Bonemme joins Zulte Waregem on loan till the end of the season.​

Champions League Play-Off 2nd Leg
Standard Liege 4 - 0 BATE Borisov
Team News - Rotated side, start for Rits, Bienvenu unregistered. Defour on the bench.
15 - Header from Nong has Tchite through to score.
20 - Tchite returns the favour as Nong benefits. 2-0.
24 - BATE Borisov denied by the crossbar.
27 - Goreux’s inch perfect cross headed in by Tchite for 3-0.
31 - Mats Rits rides 2 challenges before hitting the bar.
36 - Boyata rattles the frame of the goal once again for Liege.
42 - Boyata heads it home from Goreux’s corner, 4-0.
HT - Standard Liege 4-0 BATE Borisov, Standard coasting to victory.
In the second half Tchite couldn’t quite get his hat-trick, Carcela and Menga came on for run outs as Standard Liege see the game out.
7-0 aggregate win and qualification through to the group stage.
Koen Daerden came off with injury and will miss 2 months out.
MOTM - Mohammed Tchite​



Pro League
Standard Liege 3 - 1 Charleroi
Team News - Ciman, Ramos, Van Damme, Defour and El Ghanassy after missing the game against BATE Borisov in midweek.
3 - Charleroi start quickly and strike the post after just 3 minutes.
11 - Tchite shows everyone his clinical ability again driving in a shot from just inside the box. 1-0.
28 - Gueye heads in a fantastically delivered free-kick to put Charleroi back on terms.
55 - Tchite rounds the keeper before scoring the 3rd goal of the game.
84 - Henri Bienvenu on off the bench earlier on scores his first goal for Liege picking his spot from 20 yards.
That win puts Standard Liege into 7th place just 4 points off the top.​

Amr Zaki arrives from Zamalek on a free
Amr Zaki signed on with Standard Liege today after his stay in Egypt ended after 6 years. The striker has previously had loans with Hull City and most noticeably Wigan Athletic where he scored 10 goals in 29 games for the club. Zaki commented saying hes delighted to join a club with such great support.​

 
Last edited:
SEPTEMBER 2011​
Henri Bienvenu (CAMEROON), Sinan Bolat (TURKEY) and Mehdi Carcela (MOROCCO) All got their first caps for their respective countries in the international break at the end of August but September didnt kick off in the best fashion ...​

Pro League
Lierse 2 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Zaki debutises upfront with Tchite. Only Daeden and Witsel out injured.
30 - Anderson Silva hit’s the bar from 25 yards for Lierse.
37 - The ball is teed up for Anderson Silva in the box who slams it in.
43 - Deep cross into the far post from Dequevy which catches Sinan Bolat out and creeps into the top corner, A freak goal but 2-0 Lierse.
Despite a treble substitution at half time the 2nd half performance was just as poor as the 1st with Liege losing in Pro League for the 2nd time this season.​

Champions League Group C
Fiorentina 2 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Bienvenu and Zaki are now registered. Mangala suspended and El Ghanassy ineligible. Liege change to a 4-1-3-2 formation with Berrier coming into the midfield.
25 - Mehdi Carcela fouls Bolatti and concedes a penalty.
26 - Sinan Bolat saves the penalty from D’Agostino.
27 - Cross into the box, not dealt with by Liege and Ljajic with a header to make it 1-0.
42 - Panic in the Liege box after D’Agostino’s cross which ends up in the back of the net, a Victor Ramos own goal.
In the 2nd half, Standard Liege started enjoying the occasion playing some nice football at times but couldn’t find the net. Final score 2-0 Fiorentina
MOTM - Prince Tagoe​

Pro League
Standard Liege 3 - 1 AA Gent
Team News - El Ghanassy starts, Zaki drops to the bench after 2 poor performances.
1 - After just 50 seconds Carcela picks up the ball and threads in Tchite to score.
45+1 - The same combination in as the 1st goal works again for Liege as Tchite scores his 2nd of the match.
71 - Wils heads Gent back into the match beating Victor Ramos at the near post.
89 - Carcela completes his hat-trick of assists as his deep free-kick is met by Mangala for 3-1.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​

Pro League
Anderlecht 0 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Unchanged team despite only 3 days rest after the Gent win.
17 - Tchite finds the net after Carcela plays him in. 1-0 Standard.
57 - El Ghanassy nearly opens his goal scoring account for Liege put hit’s the post.
59 - Carcela puts Tchite through on goal, the keeper comes out to narrow the angle but Tchite knocks the ball to El Ghanassy for 2-0.
73 - Bienvenu hit’s the crossbar.
Standard move up to 2nd place, 3 points of KV Mechelen.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​
　
Pro League
Standard Liege 3 - 0 Cercle Brugge
Team News - Unchanged for the 3rd game running.
28 - Steven Defour picks out a fabulous through pass to Tchite who ***** over the keeper for 1-0.
39 - Pocognoli gets forward from left back and delivers a cross left footed for Tchite to head in his 10th goal of the season.
45+3 - Penalty won by Berrier. Mohammed Tchite took it and scored his hat-trick.
At half time Rits, Gunnarsson and Tagoe all came on with the mid-week match against Schalke in mind a rest was needed for Carcela, Defour and Bienvenu.
MOTM - Mohammed Tchite​

Champions League Group C
Standard Liege 0 - 0 Schalke 04
Team News - Only 1 change with El Ghanassy ineligible, Leye comes in.
A fantastic match with a cup tie atmosphere and Standard Liege really took the game to the Germans but for a very solid performance from Manuel Neuer between the sticks Liege surely would have won. The best chances fell to M’Baye Leye on the left wing but couldn’t be converted. A good point for Liege as their of the mark now in Group C.
MOTM - Steven Defour​

 
Last edited:
OCTOBER 2011
Standard Liege boss Chris Saunt seems to have found a winning formula in September now all the new signings have settled in. El Ghanassy looks like the winger he was at AA Gent last season. Mohammed Tchite and Prince Tagoe look totally different players from the strikers who got only 6 league goals between them last year. ​

Pro League
Eupen 0 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Leye out and El Ghanassy returns to left midfield. Opare starts as Ciman is rested.
12 - Defour’s pin point corner is headed in by Boyata at the near post. 1-0.
HT - Liege 1-0 up but Tchite looked jaded in the first half so is replaced by Amr Zaki.
51 - Carcela gives the ball to Zaki who turns his man before drilling it in. Explosive play from Zaki, 1st goal of the season.
Berrier, Bienvenu and Zaki all missed a hat full of chances to extend the lead but Standard Liege take all 3 points.
MOTM - Amr Zaki​

Pro League
Standard Liege 0 - 0 STVV
Team News - Van Damme is out injured so Pocognoli comes in, Axel Witsel returns after 8 weeks sidelined.
30 - Witsel’s much anticipated return comes to an end after an elbow right in front of the referee.
The match in the 2nd half was one of half chances which neither team could take advantage of before fizzling out into a bore draw.
MOTM - Aron Gunnarsson​

Champions League Group C
Liverpool 4 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - El Ghanassy ineligible, Berrier comes in. Zaki preferred to Bienvenu.
9 - Torres beats the Liege defence for pace to latch on to a through ball and tucks it away.
53 - Kuyt curls a ball round Pocognoli, Gerrard runs on to score, 2-0.
70 - Kuyt tees up Gerrard on the edge of the box, 3-0.
74 - Defour’s corner headed off the post by Tchite, Boyata couldn’t turn it in.
86 - Deep free-kick from the half way line from Liverpool, Sinan Bolat with a rush of blood flies out of his net and Torres heads over the advancing keeper for 4-0.
MOTM - Dedryck Boyata​

Pro League
KV Mechelen 1 - 1 Standard Liege
Team News - Witsel Suspended, El Ghanassy returns with Bienvenu. Victor Ramos is dropped after a dip in form doesn’t go unnoticed by his manager, Filipe getting the nod to start. Zaki has been given leave of absence and returned to Egypt.
39 - Godee ran Filipe out of position before spinning into the gap behind and beat Sinan Bolat at his near post. Great play.
43 - Boyata heads Defour’s corner against the bar.
65 - The ball breaks for Gunnarsson to hit one, rattles the crossbar.
90+2 - Prince Tagoe runs down the right before finding El Ghanassy open at the far post for a dramatic late equaliser.
MOTM - Prince Tagoe​
　
Belgian Cup 6th Round
Tubize 3 - 1 Standard Liege
Team News - XI, Van Hout, Hendrickx, Cisse, Filipe, Daerden, Goreux, Rits, Gunnarsson, Leye, Menga, Bienvenu.
29 - Baseggio with a peach of a free-kick, Van Hout had no chance.
37 - Neels some how dodges several challenges in the area before bundling in for 2-0.
43 - De Araujo adds to Standard misery beating Van Hout at the near post.
63 - Tagoe pulls 1 back for Liege, 3-1 now.
A poor performance from Standard Liege despite missing their top stars they didn’t show any fight. They were outplayed by the Belgian 2nd Division leaders. A 3rd loss on the spin for Liege.
MOTM - Kristof Van Hout​

Pro League
Borussu 0 - 1 Standard Liege
Team News - Strongest possible team named with Tchite, Tagoe, Defour, Carcela, El Ghanassy all back in the side.
29 - Tagoe wins a penalty, Defour blazes over the bar, Poor penalty
33 - Borussu have chance rebound of the woodwork.
78 - Tagoe drifts across to the right wing and pulls the ball back to the advancing Mats Rits who smashes into the far corner, fantastic goal.
MOTM - Mats Rits​

 
NOVEMBER 2011​

Champions League Group C
Standard Liege 1 - 1 Liverpool
Team News - Witsel and Berrier come in for starts.
3 - Berrier’s searching cross finds Carcela who beats Reina with his head, 1-0 Liege.
HT - 1-0 up at the break, Liege decide to go 4-5-1 for the 2nd half.
66 - A wonder goal from Raul Meireles and Liverpool are back level.
87 - Lucas breaks through Liege before striking the bar.
Another point for Liege in Group C, Still winless but very respectable performances and results at home against top quality opposition.
Mangala played through a niggle but will now miss 2-3 weeks out injured.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​

Pro League
Standard Liege 0 - 0 Lokeren
Team News - Witsel’s suspension continues, El Ghanassy returns. Victor Ramos gets his chance back in the 1st team.
Lokeren created the most of the chances in the 1st half without really testing Sinan Bolat. Standard Liege will change to a 4-2-3-1 for the 2nd half.
63 - Defour forced off injured, Rits comes on.
A bore draw was always going to be the outcome today, Neither side deserved anything from this uneventful encounter. It was learned after the game that Steven Defour will miss 3 months with a torn hamstring.
MOTM - Victor Ramos​

Standard Liege announce link with Barcelona​


Amr Zaki returns from leave of absence whilst Eliaquim Mangala returns from injury.​

Pro League
Standard Liege 0 - 1 Zulte Waregem
Team News - Witsel partners Gunnarsson in midfield and Zaki and Tchite get the go ahead upfront.
36 - D’Haene puts Zulte Waregem in front.
45+3 - Amr Zaki hit’s the post from a tight angle.
Another poor performance in front of the home support. Only 1 win now in their last 8 games in league and cup.
MOTM - Amr Zaki​


Champions League Group C
Standard Liege 0 - 1 Fiorentina
Team News - El Ghanassy out, Gunnarsson comes in.
1 - After just 26 seconds Fiorentina have Babacar running past Ramos, Ramos sticks out a leg to bring him down but he’s denying a clear goal scoring chance and it duly sent off. Results in a free-kick.
51 - Goreux injured, Franck Berrier comes on.
75 - Another injury for Liege, Its Carcela. Off the bench is M’Baye Leye.
79 - Jovetic lovely floated ball over the flat footed Liege defence, Bolatti finishes in fine style, 1-0 Fiorentina.
Standard Liege cannot now qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​
　
Pro League
Club Brugge 3 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Carcela injured but Goreux is fit for the bench after injuries picked up in the Champions League.
10 - Roorda flicks in a near post corner, Liege go behind again.
27 - The same corner routine, different scorer Odjidja, Poor from Liege.
60 - El Ghanassy wins a penalty
61 - Axel Witsel misses the penalty wide left.
74 - Mats Rits concedes a penalty.
75 - Vargas scores the penalty, 3-0.
MOTM - Yassine El Ghanassy​

Pro League
Standard Liege 4 - 0 Genk
Team News - Ciman, Pocognoli, Mangala, Gunnarsson and Tagoe all come in the starting 11 to play top of the table Genk.
7 - El Ghanassy with the corner and Mangala heads it in.
17 - Zaki forced off injured to be replaced by Bienvenu.
31 - Pocognoli’s free-kick to the far post for Witsel who scores. 2-0.
81 - Tozser puts El Ghanassy’s corner into his own net.
90+2 - Rits replaced El Ghanassy for the last 10 minutes or so and took over his duty from corners, his delivery, Boyata’s header, 4-0.
Standard’s 1st win in 5 games after 3 losses and 2 draws. Bad news for Zaki who will be sidelined for 5 months with a torn calf muscle.
MOTM - Yassine El Ghanassy​

 
Last edited:
DECEMBER 2011​
A fairly poor November but a fantastic league win on the back of it, 4-0 against Genk. They need to build on that in December in the league and theres also a massive game in the Champions League against Schalke 04, The winner takes the spot in the Europa League while the loser drops out of Europe altogether this season. ​


Pro League
KV Kortrijk 0 - 1 Standard Liege
Team News - Zaki injured so Tchite regains his place in the first team.
39 - El Ghanassy with a lofted through ball, Tagoe in on goal hit’s the base of the upright.
45 - Mboyo smashes the post on the volley, unlucky.
85 - Just 5 minutes after coming on, Henri Bienvenu’s run is picked out by another sub, Mats Rits and Bienvenu finishes for his 1st goal in over 15 hours of football.
A late show from Liege but that makes it back to back wins.
MOTM - Mats Rits

Champions League Group C
Schalke 04 1 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Carcela returns from injury, Ramos is banned so Filipe partners Boyata. Bienvenu also starts.
19 - Jendrisek scores for Schalke.
Standard Liege just didn’t have enough quality going forward, they couldn’t keep the ball and Schalke were easily able to see the game out. 2nd half injuries for Liege to with Witsel set to miss 7 weeks. Filipe also got injured as the list grows.
MOTM - Mohammed Tchite

　Pro League
Standard Liege 1 - 0 Germinal Beerschot
Team News - Zaki, Defour and Witsel all injured, Victor Ramos suspended.
2 - El Ghanassy wins a penalty resulting in Peters being sent off
4 - Aaron Gunnarsson smashes the penalty top left, 1-0 Liege.
9 - Bienvenu chests the ball down and volleys against the post.
38 - Carcela puts in El Ghanassy who hit’s the crossbar.
47 - Carcela’s corner headed off the bar by Boyata.
Standard Liege should have doubled their advantage in the 2nd half but couldn’t find the net and saw the game out with ease against 10 men Germinal Beerschot.
MOTM - Medhi Carcela​

Pro League
Charleroi 0 - 3 Standard Liege
Team News - Unchanged squad that won against GBA.
51 - Boyata hit’s the post from Carcela’s corner. Unevenful match thus far.
59 - Carcela’s ball to Tchite who just squeezes it underneath the keeper, 1-0.
64 - Boyata scores, Carcela’s left peg is proving to be inspirational.
70 - Same routine from the corner, same scorer, 3-0 Liege.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​

Pro League
Standard Liege 1 - 0 Lierse
Team News - 1 Change, Victor Ramos in for Filipe.
31 - Boyata continues his fine form heading in another Carcela corner.
58 - Gilberto’s free-kick comes back of the post.
84 - Vandooren hit’s the bar for Lierse.
Tchite picked up a knock in today match but its doesn’t look to bad. Standard Liege hold out for the win. Currently 3rd place in Pro League but 6 points off Anderlecht as the season breaks for 21 days.
MOTM - Dedryck Boyata​

 
JANUARY 2012
A new year is time to reflect on the year past and its been succesful at the Stade Muarice Dufrasne. Winning the Belgian Pro League and the Belgian Super Cup along with being Runners up in the Belgian Cup. New signings are promised for 2012 as Saunt aims to re-gig his team ready for the title race.


Standard sign Caio
Standard Liege unveiled new striker Caio after his £4.4m transfer from Botafogo. He has already played 31 games this season scoring 23 goals in the Brazilian League. The deal means Caio is the 5th striker to have signed for club since Saunt’s arrival back in June 2010.


Pro League
AA Gent 2 - 3 Standard Liege
Team News - Zaki, Pocognoli, Filipe and Defour are the only injured players for Liege, Caio set for debut and El Ghanassy starts against his former club.
39 - El Ghanassy passes to Carcela who scores for Standard Liege, 1-0.
43 - Coulibaly sliding finish from Ljubjankic’s cross, 1-1.
45+1 - Fantastic goal from Ljubjankic after a perfect counter attack move.
49 - Mehdi Carcela with an unstoppable free-kick, The keeper didn’t even see it.
89 - Mangala with the header at the far post, Carcela’s corner, 3-2 Liege now.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela


Blackburn sign Tchite
Blackburn Rovers have today signed Rwandan striker Mohammed Tchite from Standard Liege for a fee of £1.5m. The striker has been on form this season scoring 12 goals in 25 games and is the clubs leading score but has his form fallen away in the last few weeks. Les Rouches said that know one needs to be brought in replace as Caio joined the club just a few days ago.


View attachment 130613


Pro League
Standard Liege 1 - 1 Anderlecht
Team News - Ciman in for suspended Opare, Bienvenu starts with Caio.
23 - Witsel attempts a through ball to Caio but it ricochets to Bienvenu who slams it in from the edge of the penalty area. Liege are a goal up.
54 - Lukaku on the break for Anderlecht, his weak shot somehow goes through the keeper for 1-1.
Hard to say who deserved to win the match so a draw seems a fair result.
MOTM - Henri Bienvenu


Goreux moves to Aab
Reginal Goreux has moved to Aalborg for £190k. It comes after speculation that he and manager Chris Saunt had not been on the best of terms which ended up with the former Belgian U21 international moving the Danish side. Goreux made 6 starts and 6 sub appearances for Liege this season.


Pro League
Cercle Brugge 0 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Liege change to a 4-4-1-1 and Defour returns to the first team after injury.
53 - Best chance of the match so far, Tagoe’s cross which just shaved Witsel’s head before coming to Carcela who slammed it into the upright.
57 - Tagoe turns his man and shoots with venom in off the underside of the crossbar.
70 - Witsel injured to be replaced by Berrier.
89 - Boyata is pushed in the back from a corner, Penalty kick.
90 - Defour … seals the 3 points. The keeper guessed the right way but couldn’t get to it. That makes it 13 without a win for Cercle Brugge.
MOTM - Prince Tagoe

Breaking News
Standard Liege’s Aron Gunnarsson hands in transfer request
The reasons behind Aron Gunnarsson's decision to hand in a transfer request are unclear with no clubs said to be interested in the Icelandic midfielder. Saunt wants to keep Aron at the club but will listen to any offers that come in.
Steven Defour wants to move to a bigger club.
Liege's outstanding performer consitently for the past 18 months, Steven Defour has spoken to Chris Saunt about a possible move to a ''bigger club''. Chris Saunt said that despite believing could do very well at a higher level of football he believes the club will grow to fulfill his ambitions and has pursuaded him to stay on at least till the end of the season.


Pro League
Standard Liege 4 - 0 Eupen
Team News - Witsel only fit for the bench as Gunnarsson comes in.
18 - Caio gets his 1st goal for Liege, Mangala header puts him through after the Eupen goal kick, static defending.
26 - Defour bounces a ball into the penalty area, Caio is quick onto it to half volley it in for 2-0 Standard Liege.
28 - Heavy pressure from Liege is paying off, a third goal, this time its Mehdi Carcela from the edge of the box on his weaker right foot.
58 - Eupen are playing a high line which Caio is causing problems from, he’s through again only to be took down by Paternotte who is sent off.
63 - Eupen’s keeper tips a header from Boyata into the path of Ramos who scores.
66 - Superb flowing Liege attack with Rits in the middle of it, comes to Berrier who curls a shot against the bar. Still 4-0 but its only a matter of time.
Full time sounds, A blitzing display from Standard Liege.
MOTM - Mats Rits

View attachment 130614


New loan signing Fabio
Manchester United defender Fabio Da Silva has moved on loan until the end of the season to Standard Liege. John O’Shea described the move as a breath of fresh air due to a recent spat between O’Shea and Fabio. Liege have paid £170k as a loan fee and must be delighted to have secured their man just 15 minutes before the deadline on the 31st January 2012. Fabio has taken part in 11 league games this season for Manchester United, assisting 1 goal. Fabio is fully fit and is expected to start at right back for Liege against STVV on Sunday.​
 
FEBUARY 2012​
Standard Liege need to build on the unbeaten January and with Caio and Fabio brought in everyone expects them to. ​

Pro League
STVV 0 - 5 Standard Liege
Team News - Opare in for Ciman, Witsel in for Gunnarsson on right wing and Fabio set for debut.
3 - Defour with a free-kick which Boyata heads down for Ramos to stab in from a yard out, 1-0 Liege.
19 - Drilled shot from Daniel Opare, The keeper beats it out to Caio who scores on the rebound. 2-0 Liege, They’ll take some stopping now.
21 - Flowing football down the left flank for Liege eventually comes to Defour who puts in Caio whose shot can only be put into the path of Axel Witsel who puts it into the empty net.
23 - Twisting run from Fabio into El Ghanassy who beats the hapless keeper at his near post for Standard Liege’s 4th goal.
53 - Boyata adds to the scoring, heading in Defour’s cross for goal number 5.
62 - Mats Rits rattles the crossbar.
Standard Liege leave it at 5, Another sensational victory, away from home this time. The change to 4-4-1-1 seems to be working.
MOTM - Steven Defour​

Pro League
Standard Liege 1 - 0 KV Mechelen
Team News - Pocognoli is back in full training but doesn’t feature otherwise the sides unchanged from what annihilated STVV.
88 - Long ball from Fabio, Witsel denied by the keeper but Caio is there to strike into the unoccupied goal net. Dramatic late winner as Liege move to 11 unbeaten in Pro League. With Anderlecht drawing that win puts them just 2 points behind them in the table.
MOTM - Caio​

Pro League
Genk 0 - 3 Standard Liege
Team News - Unchanged line up that’s chasing a 5th consecutive clean sheet.
7 - Fabio with a right footed cross from the left, Defour’s flick that coasts into the top corner. First blood Standard Liege.
19 - Caio receives a fancy pass from Defour and he finishes, 2-0.
44 - Defour picks up a second yellow card and is sent off.
53 - Superb solo run from Caio, finished with a drilled right foot shot.
86 - Caio’s shot comes back off the post, hit’s the keeper and out for a corner.
87 - Corner whipped in, Boyata’s header hit’s the post.
MOTM - Caio​

Victor Ramos injured in training
Brazilian centre back Victor Ramos has been injured in training and damaged cruciate ligaments which will keep him sidelined for 8-10 months. A devistating injury for him and Standard Liege. Its now crucial that Boyata, Filipe and Mangala through to the end of the season if Standard are to stand any chance of retaining their League title.​

Pro League
Standard Liege 2 - 0 Borussu
Team News - Filipe comes in for the injured Ramos in the only change.
26 - Caio picks the ball up on the half way line, drives forward beating 4 Borussu players before scoring a drilled left foot shot into the bottom left of the net.
67 - Berrier floats a cross back post, El Ghanassy is there to head in to double the lead.
Standard Liege are on hot form, 6 straight wins all with compulsory clean sheets heading into the last game of the regular season against Lokeren before the Championship group kicks off.
MOTM - Yassine El Ghanassy

View attachment 130784​
 
Last edited:
MARCH 2012​
Febuary was a month of destruction for Standard Liege with impressive performances and clean sheets. Caio is on form with 5 goals in a month. March means the end of the regular season, Lokeren the last opponent for Liege. ​

Pro League
Lokeren 1 - 0 Standard Liege
Team News - Witsel suspended so Defour returns, Gunnarsson starts wide right for Rits.
21 - Fabio concedes a penalty.
22 - Garcia scores the penalty, Lokeren lead.
33 - Liege change to a 4-1-3-1-1.
40 - Fabio forced off injured, On comes Daerden.
It was brought to Saunt’s attention after the match that Fabio will be out for 2 months, effectively ending his season at this late stage and A defeat for Liege which leaves them 2nd in the table as the Championship group gets underway in a couple of weeks. Anderlecht will be looking over their shoulders though. The Clasico Belge Derby matches will be where the titles won and lost.
MOTM - Filipe​


Championship Group
Anderlecht 0 - 1 Standard Liege
Team News - Ramos and Fabio injured, Zaki in light training but other than that it’s a full strength side for both clubs tonight, This is a massive game.
29 - Witsel with the cross, El Ghanassy slides in to slot it home.
80 - Deschacht sent off for an inconspicuous challenge on Witsel.
Standard Liege hold out for the win despite late pressure. They move top of the table by 1 point. A massive victory away from home on derby day.
MOTM - Axel Witsel​

Championship Group
Standard Liege 1 - 0 Genk
Team News - Caio rested, Tagoe starts. Genk got through to the Belgian Cup final in midweek but will they have enough in the tank to be competitive today?
15 - Boyata forced off injured, Mangala moves to centre back and Gunnarsson takes his place in midfield.
90+1 - Mats Rits deflected cross comes to Henri Bienvenu who rounds the keeper to score in the dieing minutes.
MOTM - Mats Rits​

Championship Group
Standard Liege 2 - 0 Lokeren
Team News - Caio returns, Mangala starts at centre back with Boyata only in light training, Witsel and Defour in the middle as Berrier comes in on the right.
52 - Carcela’s shot blocked, El Ghanassy picks it up and slams it in. 1-0.
88 - Opare with a superb 60 pass to Defour who crosses to M’Baye Leye to seal the win.
Another massive win for Liege as Anderlecht draw which means Standard go 3 points clear at the top.
MOTM - Henri Bienvenu​

Championship Group
KV Mechelen 2 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Boyata returns to the defence, Mangala moves to midfield, Witsel shifts to the right and Berrier is on the bench.
38 - Opare injured, Gunnarsson comes on.
49 - Defour’s exquisite through ball, Caio applies the finish, 1-0.
53 - Manunga equalises, Game back on!
81 - Mangala heads clear from the half way line, Caio springs the offside and coolly slots it home. 2-1 Liege.
90+2 - Boyata doesn’t get the ball out of his feet quickly enough, Sinan Bolat saves the first shot but Gudmundsson sneaks in to score. 2-2.
Anderlecht capitalise on the slip up by winning and the gap at the top is just 1 point in Liege’s favour. Opare’s injury means he’s out for 2 weeks.
MOTM - Caio​

 
APRIL 2012​
A very close title race between the Clasico Belge sides. Anderlecht brought very well in the summer and in January adding Ryad Boudebouz, Tom Hogli, Steve Gohouri and Tomas Pekart among others. They spent £2m less than Standard Liege but it seems Saunt's capture of Mats Rits, Yassine El Ghanassy and Caio have really paid off.​

Championship Group
Standard Liege 3 - 1 Club Brugge
Team News - Opare injured so Ciman comes in.
3 - Metaj bundles in a Brugge free-kick, The visitors lead.
14 - Caio hit’s the post, so unlucky.
32 - El Ghanassy scores after Defour’s unselfishness leaves him an empty net to score.
37 - Magnificent free-kick from Carcela, Standard Liege have the advantage.
49 - Carcela free-kick floated in to Caio who hit’s the post but scores with his 2nd attempt. 3-1 now to the home side.
70 - Defour’s cross catches the wind and eventually comes off the cross bar.
Another massive win secured for Standard Liege.
MOTM - Mehdi Carcela​

Championship Group
Standard Liege 2 - 1 Anderlecht
Team News - Unchanged side for Standard Liege.
3 - Defour’s corner, Boyata has a header bundled off the line but it drops for Filipe who scores. 1-0 Liege.
43 - De Sutter equalises heading in Boussafa’s corner, sloppy defending.
61 - Carcela is tripped by Hogli in the area…
62 - Witsel scores the penalty to put Standard back in front.
Standard Liege professionally see out the fixture and now have 4 point security over their rivals.
MOTM - Yassine El Ghanassy​

Championship Group
Lokeren 3 - 3 Standard Liege
Team News - Daniel Opare returns as Ciman doesn’t make the bench.
2 - El Ghanassy crosses to Caio who controls before smashing in left footed.
5 - Finnbogason heads in from a corner. 2nd match in a row Liege concede from a corner.
26 - Free-kick from Liege, headed in by Boyata, 2-1.
29 - Another equaliser for Lokeren, Opare the unfortunate party who puts it into his own net after the ball pinged around the box.
33 - Witsel needlessly concedes a penalty, Witsel protests…
34 - Garcia scores the penalty but Bolat got a hand to it. 3-2 Lokeren.
73 - Defour puts in Caio who equalises, 3-3.
90 - Opare picks up a 2nd yellow card and is dismissed.
Anderlecht won to close the gap to 2 points once again.
MOTM - Caio​

Championship Group
Genk 0 - 2 Standard Liege
Team News - Opare is banned so Ciman is his replacement.
51 - Foul on Caio, Penalty for Standard Liege.
52 - Witsel scores low to the goalkeepers left, 1-0.
65 - Caio is in on goal but Matoukou fouls him and is sent off.
87 - Cross from Mangala and Franck Berrier arrives at the far post to tuck it in. 2-0 Liege. The points are safe. Anderlect lost 3-1 to KV Mechelen so the lead is 5 points with just 2 games remaining.
MOTM - Franck Berrier​

 
Status
Not open for further replies.

FMBase

Beta

Resources

Top