The Racing Club of Strasbourg suffered a 2-1 defeat against Mainz in a first friendly encounter in camera, played on the German team’s training ground. Despite a balanced first period, with an equal number of shots (3 each), the Alsatians were punished by two crucial bullet losses. The first, committed by Karl-Johan Johnsson, allowed Mainz to score in empty goal. Then, Kendry Paez lost the ball after being approached by two opponents, paving the way for a well orchestrated counter which led to a magnificent dive of Soto Kawasaki.

Despite the unfavourable score, Liam Rosenior’s team showed a willingness to react in the second period. Nanasi, Messi, and Mara each tried to narrow the gap with strikes, but their efforts were in vain. Sekou Mara finally reduced the gap at the end of the game, transforming a service of Eduard Sobol into a victorious foot dish. However, the team failed to match, and Mainz retained his victory.

This opposition is part of an intensive training program for Racing, which included other friendly in camera games against Stuttgart and Sturm Graz the previous week. The goal is to refine the preparation of the team before the main friendly match in Mainz, where the coach should align a team of incumbents. Nanasi’s performance has been particularly notable, but Paez will have to work on the management of the pressurised balloon to adapt to the European level.