FC Midtjylland lost 1-0 to St. Truiden in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, a result that leaves them with a deficit to overturn. Frederic Soelle scored the decisive goal for the Belgian visitors in the 42nd minute following an assist from Robert-Jan Vanwesemael.
The Herning-based side enjoyed plenty of possession with 57 percent but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. They had 15 shots, six of which were on target, but found a resolute St. Truiden defence and goalkeeper Léo Kokubo in good form, making three saves. At the other end, Nordin Bakker was strong with five stops for Midtjylland but could not keep out Soelle's finish. The total expected goals (xG) of 2.70 to 1.70 highlights that the home chances were present.
Team news and line-up
The manager opted for a 3-1-4-2 formation with Nordin Bakker in goal. The defence consisted of Rasmus Kristensen, Ousmane Diao and Mads Bech Sørensen, with David Martínez Morales operating as the defensive midfielder. The attack was led by Julius Emefile and Mileta Rajović. Three attacking changes were made at half-time as Cho Gue-Sung, Etim and Iheanacho were introduced to apply more pressure. The team's top scorer this season, Etim, has five goals in 11 appearances.
St. Truiden, who set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, held onto their lead and defended diligently in the second period. Midtjylland could not create a clear-cut chance to equalise, despite winning six corners. Pedro Bravo and Vanwesemael received yellow cards in a physical first half.
This defeat interrupts a positive run in domestic competition, where FC Midtjylland sit in a strong second place in the Superliga with 25 points from 11 games, having recorded seven wins and four draws. Their overall league tally is 21 goals scored and 11 conceded, giving them a goal difference of plus ten. Their form across the last five matches shows two wins, two draws and one loss.
Their next task comes quickly on Sunday 25 October when they host Lyngby, who are 12th in the table. The last meeting between the sides ended 1-1 on 16 August.
FC Midtjylland have just a single point after two rounds of the Conference League league phase. The club's most expensive player ever, David Martinez, had a horror show against St. Truiden, according to Bold. He missed a huge chance and showed weak defending for the decisive goal. The club remain second in the Superliga with 25 points. They face Lyngby at home on October 25.
The manager criticised the defence after the loss. 'We took a blunder, and it was decisive,' he said. Mileta Rajovic missed a big chance in the first half. David Martinez also wasted a huge opportunity just before the break. The team now has just one point after two Conference League games. They return to league action against Lyngby on 25 October.
