A tactical battle ends with the Royal Army's qualification and a painful exit for Berkane
The Royal Army team qualified for the semi-finals of the African Champions League, despite losing to RS Berkane with a score of (1-0) in the second leg of the quarter-finals, benefiting from its superiority in the first leg (2-0), to secure the pass with a score of (2-1).
The match, which was held on the grounds of the municipal stadium in Berkane, witnessed a relative advantage for the hosts from the beginning, as RS Berkane imposed its style and possessed the ball by a percentage of up to 64%, compared to 36% for the Royal Army, in an attempt to come back in the score and make up for the first-leg difference.
Despite the control, the first half ended in a goalless draw, in light of clear defensive cohesion from the Royal Army, which relied on closing spaces and playing on counters, with the lack of offensive effectiveness for both teams.
In the second half, RS Berkane continued its offensive pressure until it was able to translate its superiority into a goal in the 57th minute, through Yassine Labhiri from a kick. A successful penalty, ignited the atmosphere of the match and gave the hosts hope for a comeback.
After the goal, RS Berkane intensified their attempts, as they shot 10 balls compared to only 5 for the Royal Army, and also excelled in the number of dangerous chances (3 to 2), but the visitors’ defensive organization and the brilliance of the back line prevented them from conceding a second goal.
On the other hand, the Royal Army maintained its calm and succeeded in absorbing the pressure until the final whistle, despite committing 18 goals. A violation in an attempt to stop the threat of the opponent, compared to 14 violations for RS Berkane, in a match characterized by physical strength and competitiveness.
With this result, the Royal Army confirms its strength in dealing with the home and away confrontations, to continue its continental journey steadily towards the semi-finals, while RS Berkane bid farewell to the tournament despite the strong performance in the return match.
