The river dance-off between two performers clad in the respective club shirts of Leeds United and AC Milan as pre-match entertainment at the Aviva Stadium went the way of the Whites.
Well, if the reaction of a full house dominated by Leeds fans was anything to go by.
So too should have the result of United’s final pre-season fixture, which ended in a 1-1 draw with the Serie A side.
Manager Daniel Farke certainly thought so:
“Against one of Europe’s giants, the feeling was we should have won this game because there were so many periods where we dominated,” he said
The game’s outstanding player, Anton Stach, ensured a third pre-season draw against decent opponents, with the Premier League return against Everton at home looming a week on Monday.
The impressive midfielder capped off his imperious display with a crisp shot into the far corner from the left edge of the penalty area.
It prompted the immediate substitution of Milan keeper Petro Terraciano but, to be honest Stach had led everybody on the park a merry dance. Linking play, stopping play, firing shots away – he had it all.
“You can see why he was one of my key wishes in terms of signings,” added Farke. “He gave an outstanding performance. We’ve spoken a lot about his size and his physicality but he’s a really good footballer who is tidy on the ball.”
Farke blooded new keeper Lucas Perri for the first half and the Brazilian had one strong take followed by a trademark long throw to start an attack.
As he acclimatises to his new team-mates he will become steadier with his feet but he is an imposing figure. Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the club’s number one, also featured but Illan Meslier’s days look numbered with Farke saying: “It was not necessary for him to travel.”
Jayden Bogle (hip) is expected to recover from injury in time to face Everton, which will provide a much needed boost to the right side of the defence, but Leeds’ main issue remains in the final third.
“In comparison to our Championship squad, we have not improved the offence,” Farke said. “To have a squad capable to survive in the top flight, we need to strengthen. In offence, we need some top class signings, not just numbers.”
However, the Leeds boss gave little away to suggest the club was close to bringing in a new number nine.
“We’ll give our best in the next days before Everton,” he added.
It seems the pirouettes, twirls and spins of the transfer jig could go to the wire.
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