Built up as arguably the biggest game of the season GAS took on Red Star in the most anticipated of the four BCL Cup quarter final games and boy, it did not disappoint!
Despite the field conditions being below par GAS were phenomenal from the first whistle. Opting to play a 4-4-1-1 the pressure piled onto Star from the beginning was immense. GAS clearly meant business. Freeboy and Tommy both having chances to open the scoring within the first 5 minutes though somehow, Star managing to thwart their efforts. 
Not long after saw the unfortunate removal of Tommy after a nasty clash with Star’s number five leaving one of GAS’ key men in a pool of blood. This lead to a slight, pre-mature reshuffle of GAS’ midfield though seemingly provided extra incentive for them to go on and win the game. Chance after chance was created by GAS – Julian working hard on the wing, Freeboy and Fede pressing well from the front with Craig and Dom working well in the middle. It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken as Star couldn’t seem to get out of their own half. Craig came extremely close from the edge of the box pulling his shot agonizingly wide following a smart pass from Coco, though shortly after GAS finally found a way through the stubborn defence after some superb work from Fede set up Dom who’s thunderous shot found, up until that point, the elusive back of the net! An extremely well worked goal from the youthful pair.
1-0 GAS HT.
Despite at half time feeling we should have been 3 or 4 goals to the good, GAS kept up the superb football in the second half. However, Red Star came back into the game somewhat inevitably though GAS found themselves 2-0 up after a superbly delivered free kick from the gracious left boot of Julian a.k.a Robben – Fede rose like once again, a horny salmon, heading powerfully towards goal and despite the finger tips of Stars’ keeper, found the back of the net. 2-0 GAS. The game should have been put to bed when minutes later Freeboy found himself clean through on goal following an exquisite through ball from Fede and despite eluding the keeper, defenders and having an open goal, blazed over the bar much to his and everyone’s dismay. Nevertheless, the third goal was finally found when of course, that man again, Fede used though long legs to outpace Stars’ fullback and as the Star keeper came rushing out he superbly lofted the ball over the onrushing keeper from 20 yards to cap off an emphatic team performance and without question a MOM outing by the talented Argentinian. John could’ve made it 4-0 right at the death though instead of scoring he decided to kick the ball back to the keeper. A good show of sportsmanship and compassion towards the opposition.
Joking aside, this was a truly fantastic performance from everyone involved. Particular strong, standouts that haven’t yet been mentioned were Kalle and Carl once again from start to finish. GAS are fast becoming the team to watch and following this result the finals at the amazing BEC Tero stadium feels ever closer though we will of course not look past the game VS Celtic as they will be out seeking retribution.
GAS host a SEA GAS tournament this coming weekend so, a weekend off the BCL though rest assured we will be keeping in tip top shape ready the Semi’s.
MOM – Fede.