Erik Johansson – KAA Gent (16/09/2015)

Here is a collector's item of great rarity, from the starry evenings of the Champions League. This match issued (prepared for the match) jersey was assigned to the Swedish international defender Erik Johansson during the match against Olympique Lyonnais for the 1st matchday of the group stage.

Match Context: A frustrating return to the Champions League for Les Gones

After three years of absence, Hubert Fournier's OL made their big return to the Champions League on the pitch of the reigning Belgian champion, Gent, who played the very first Champions League match in their history at the Ghelamco Arena. Ideally launched by Christophe Jallet's header to open the scoring (46th), the Lyonnais were surprised by Danijel Milićević's equalizer (68th). The match turned at the end of the game: the Belgians received two red cards. With a double numerical advantage in the 88th minute, OL were awarded a penalty to snatch victory, but Alexandre Lacazette saw his attempt saved by Matz Sels. Lyon drew (1-1) at the end of a very frustrating scenario.

Erik Johansson: A setback just before the big night

A solid central defender known for his heading ability and physical impact, the Swedish giant Erik Johansson had joined Gent in the summer of 2015 with the ambition of stabilizing the Belgian defense for this historic European campaign. While he was supposed to be one of the pillars of the defense against the attacking armada of Lyon, fate decided otherwise. A victim of a last-minute injury, he was forced to withdraw and had to watch this European baptism of fire from the stands. Specially prepared by the Belgian club's kit manager for the locker room that night, this official jersey features all the specific markings and Champions League patches. A highly symbolic collector's item for any lover of European rarities.