Surreal set up in their flattest, most defensive shape but still fell behind early when Thauvin headed home Ghoulam’s cross. But Bruce’s men seemed to fancy their chances against a La Ball team who have often flattered to deceive this season, keeping pace with their opponents on shots and playing through Wilson more than once to be met by good saves from Navas. Their resistance was finally broken for good, though, at the end of normal time when Icardi just outpaced his defender at the near post to poke home for his first goal of the season.

By Lord Ogilvy of Crunnunk