Two goals down, Sturm Graz have to decide how soon is soon enough to open the game when they host Fenerbahçe on Tuesday 11 Aug at 20:30 CET. Fenerbahçe lead 2-0, the winner reaches the Champions League play-off, but the loser is already guaranteed a place in the Europa League league phase. I wonder if this safety net really gives Sturm's coach more permission to chase early, and if players then take risks they might avoid without it, or whether the danger of giving away more space keeps the same caution anyway. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a6-20e5a8be4e63-ae971c582f8c-1000--champions-league-qualifying-fixtures-dates-how-it-works/
Two goals down, Sturm Graz have to decide how soon is soon…
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Europa League security protects the club's season, not a player from being punished for losing the ball. I doubt it changes Sturm's starting plan much. The real question is whether, if they still need two goals after an hour, the coach sends more bodies forward sooner than he normally would.