A player entering a battle with a wooden sword cannot be blamed if they fail to bring down the aircraft…
It is neither feasible nor fair to scrutinize the match between Wydad Casablanca and Manchester City using conventional football analysis based on 90 minutes of play, one tactical approach against another, and 11 players versus 11. Doing so would be a double injustice: to the players who fought valiantly and to an entire team that attempted to stand against a European football machine operating on a logic that is both economic and artistic, and bears no relation to the local reality.
We face undeniable and stark disparities: Wydad’s budget barely amounts to 1% of Manchester City’s. Most of its players have never competed at an elite level, while their opponent features stars who have played in World Cup finals and the Champions League, led by one of the greatest coaching minds in modern football history, Pep Guardiola.
In such circumstances, expecting Wydad to deliver a level playing field was impossible. Nevertheless, the players displayed a commendable level of courage and discipline, striving to bridge the gaps through commitment, combativeness, and honorable play. Some individuals, particularly the foreign players, demonstrated that proper training, even with limited resources, can make a difference. They provided the defense with a sense of balance and composure amidst a setup that suffered from naïveté in positioning and confusion at times. The attack lacked a true marksman capable of converting half-chances, which would have kept the dream alive a little longer.
Tactically, Benhassen relied on a balanced approach between organized defense and quick counter-attacks, aiming to compress spaces and impede Manchester City’s smooth transitions. Despite the technical disparities, he succeeded in motivating the players to adhere to his instructions and pressure the ball carrier in critical moments. The Wydad players’ exploitation of the quick counter-attack, particularly through the wings, posed a clear threat, despite the difficulties in breaking through the opponent’s defenses. The strategy hinged on patience and cohesion, aiming to induce mistakes from the opponent, which provided the team with some psychological advantage despite the scoreline.
However, despite the outcome, Wydad did not emerge entirely defeated from this match. The image they presented was honorable, given their capabilities, and the gains extend beyond the pitch. This experience means a great deal to the players, who discovered the difference between amateurism and professionalism, and to the club, which can leverage this appearance to enhance its marketing image and sell some of its stars at higher prices, in addition to strengthening its continental and international standing. This match was a pragmatic lesson in what Moroccan football needs if it aspires to be among the elite: genuine investment in training, granting confidence to local coaches, and providing a competitive environment that nurtures the best, rather than merely waiting for miracles from players who tackle the future with tools from the past.
Wydad still possesses genuine opportunities in the upcoming rounds. The next matches against Juventus and Al Ain open doors for the team to achieve positive results, especially since both teams have weaknesses that can be exploited. Juventus, currently in a transitional phase, and Al Ain, which is trying to assert itself, are both opponents that can be played against and from which benefits can be drawn to achieve qualification or, at the very least, leave a clear mark in the tournament. This gives Wydad additional motivation to continue fighting with intelligence and determination.
As for the Wydad fans, they are an essential element of the team’s identity and fighting spirit. Their unwavering support, continuous cheers, and loyalty that transcends boundaries have served as an inexhaustible fuel for the players, and the Wydad supporters demonstrated the true spirit they represent: an indomitable spirit. This courage and collective determination make Wydad more than just a team; it is a vibrant entity filled with life and resolve, leaving everyone in awe and respect.
