Martial Godo scored the crucial second goal as Strasbourg sealed top spot in the UEFA Conference League, with the forward’s fifth goal involvement of the competition (G3, A2) securing a 3-1 home victory over now-eliminated Breidablik.
The hosts’ place in the last 16 was guaranteed before kick-off, and they showed why they are among the favourites to win the competition with a lightning-quick start.
Top goalscorer Joaquin Panichelli saw an early header tipped over by Anton Ari Einarsson before Strasbourg took an 11th-minute lead, when Sebastian Nanasi finished a flowing move by side-footing a shot into the roof of the net from Ben Chilwell’s cut-back.
That goal extended Breidablik’s run without an away clean sheet to 16 games, but two quickfire chances midway through the half sparked them into life. Arnor Jonsson’s long-range effort was parried behind by Mike Penders before the resulting corner came out to Andri Yeoman, whose shot from 25 yards thudded against the post.
Breidablik needed to win to stand a chance of finishing in the top 24, and they gave themselves hope nine minutes before half-time.
Kristinn Jonsson raced into space down the left, and his low cross deflected into the path of Hoskuldur Gunnlaugsson, who lashed home the first goal by an Icelandic club side away to French opponents in European competition since 1966.
Strasbourg started the second half like they began the first period, and Godo saw a goal ruled out for offside 44 seconds after the restart. The forward dragged an effort just wide before going one-on-one with Einarsson again, only for the goalkeeper to smother.
The next big chance fell to Chilwell, who somehow missed the target when Diego Moreira put the ball on a plate for him midway through the half.
Strasbourg were getting closer, and they eventually found a second goal 10 minutes from time as Julio Enciso set up Godo, who rifled into the far corner.
Enciso tucked home the third goal in stoppage time to seal Breiᵭablik’s fate, while Strasbourg’s unbeaten home run in major European competition now stands at 16 games (W10).
