Racing Union Luxemburg and Thionville FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly on 23 July 2026 at the Stade de la Frontière. The International Club Friendly featured four well-taken goals and plenty of attacking intent from both sides. Racing, representing the Luxembourg National Division, showed resilience to come back from a two-goal deficit, while Thionville of the French Championnat National 3 demonstrated why they are a rising force in regional football.

Match Overview

Thionville started brightly and took the lead in the 8th minute through striker Anthony Perin, who finished a neat move down the right. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when midfielder Romain Thomas drove a free kick into the top corner. Racing looked disjointed early, but a tactical shift before halftime allowed them to score just before the break: forward Marc Oberweis converted from a tight angle after a defensive error. The second half was more balanced, and Racing equalised in the 71st minute through a powerful header from defender Edisson Rodrigues from a corner. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 8’ Goal (Thionville) – Perin scores after a slick one-two with winger Bryan Labissiere.
• 33’ Goal (Thionville) – Thomas’s precise free kick beats the wall and the goalkeeper.
• 44’ Goal (Racing) – Oberweis capitalises on a defensive mix-up to pull one back.
• 71’ Goal (Racing) – Rodrigues rises highest at the near post to head home the equaliser.
• 89’ Chance – Thionville’s substitute Jules Vergne shot just wide from distance.

Tactical Story

Racing began in a 4-3-3 but their defence looked vulnerable to Thionville’s quick transitions. After conceding twice, manager Sébastien Picard switched to a 3-5-2, adding an extra centre-back and using wing-backs to overload midfield. This change stabilised the game and allowed Racing to dominate the second-half possession. Thionville, who had lined up in a compact 4-4-2, found it harder to break through after the tactical adjustment. Set pieces became a key battleground, and Racing’s equaliser came from a well-rehearsed corner routine.

Standout Performers

Racing’s Rodrigues was a defensive rock while also contributing the equaliser. Oberweis showed poacher’s instincts. For Thionville, Thomas’s set-piece ability was a highlight, and Perin’s movement caused problems throughout. Goalkeepers on both sides had relatively quiet afternoons, with no shortage of goalmouth action.

Friendly Context

This match was part of both clubs’ pre-season preparation. Racing Union Luxemburg, who finished fifth in the BGL Ligue last season, looked to sharpen their cohesion before European qualification attempts. Thionville, aiming for promotion from National 3, will take confidence from their early dominance and the ability to compete with a higher-ranked opponent. The draw provides a fair reflection of the contest and useful minutes for both squads.