Massire Sylla turned in a prodigious defensive shift at the back for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night, yet Bodø/Glimt still found a way through for a 3-2 win in Norway.
The centre-back was everywhere: 15 clearances, four interceptions, two tackles won. He came out on top in nine duels across the 90 minutes, earning an 8.5 match rating for his trouble. On another evening that might have been enough to secure a result, but Union's attacking efforts fell just short and the hosts took the points.
Constant pressure
Sylla's workload tells its own story. Fifteen clearances suggests Bodø/Glimt spent long spells camped in Union's half, peppering the box with crosses and through balls. The Belgian side conceded three but it could have been worse without the Frenchman's reading of danger.
Four interceptions and nine duels won underline how often he had to step in, snuffing out attacks before they fully developed. Union will have come away disappointed with the scoreline, but they can at least take comfort in knowing their back line, Sylla especially, gave everything to keep them in the contest.
The defeat leaves questions over Union's European campaign, but no fingers will be pointed at the man who made more clearances than anyone else on the pitch.