Mark De Man – RSC Anderlecht (17/09/2003)

Here is a collector's item of great rarity, from the prestigious Champions League clashes. This match-issued (prepared for the match) jersey was assigned to the young defensive midfielder and Belgian international Mark De Man during the group stage match between Olympique Lyonnais and RSC Anderlecht in Gerland.

Match context: Juninho's OL wins by a whisker

For the opening of this European campaign (2003-2004 season), Paul Le Guen's OL hosted the Mauves of Anderlecht in a fiery atmosphere at Gerland. This opening match proved to be incredibly tight and physical, with both teams exchanging blows in midfield. The decision came in the 26th minute of the game when OL was awarded a penalty following a foul on Peguy Luyindula. The Brazilian playmaker Juninho Pernambucano stepped up and beat the Belgian goalkeeper with a clinical strike. Despite a strong push from Anderlecht in the second half to equalize, the Lyon defense held firm and secured a valuable victory (1-0). This win would ideally launch the Gones' journey towards the quarter-finals.

Mark De Man: The great hope of the Brussels academy

A hardworking defensive midfielder, capable of brilliantly filling in as a central defender, Mark De Man was one of the greatest hopes of the Anderlecht academy, renowned for his tactical rigor, his passing quality, and his warrior spirit. At only 20 years old, the young talent was discovering top-level European football and was part of the squad selected by Hugo Broos for this perilous trip to Rhône. Remaining on the bench for this intense tactical battle, his official jersey did not touch the pitch but was carefully prepared in the locker room by the club's staff. Featuring the official Champions League patches and professional markings, this jersey is a flawless collector's item.