Sixteen teams, many with significant international experience, provided fans with plenty to watch on Thursday night. The match in Slovenia saw the most goals, as Celje outlasted Sabah Baku in regulation time. A hat-trick from Joy Lance Mickels kept the Azeri team in contention, as they took the lead within 10 minutes. Despite falling behind shortly after halftime, the striker scored twice in a minute just past the hour mark.
The decisive goal came in the second half of extra time, as Nikita Iosifov converted his chance to send Celje through. This marked the first time the club has successfully navigated a Europa League tie.
Extra time was almost necessary in Sweden, as Spartak Trnava overcame a two-goal aggregate deficit against Hacken. Roman Prochazka and Giorgi Moistsrapishvili scored in the second half to give the Slovak team hope. However, just as regulation time was ending, John Dembe became the hero with his goal, allowing the home team to advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Both teams that had won convincingly the previous Thursday - Shakhtar Donetsk and Sheriff Tiraspol - were unable to win their return leg matches. The Ukrainians played to a 0-0 draw in Finland against Ilves, advancing 6-0 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Sheriff suffered a 2-1 defeat to Prishtina. However, this did not significantly affect their progress, as the Moldovan Cup winners advanced with a 5-2 aggregate score. In another match, Legia Warsaw scored late to secure their victory in a 1-0 win over Aktobe, matching the scoreline of the first leg.
After a goalless first leg in Hungary, CFR Cluj managed to complete the task against Paksi at home. Razvan Fica scored what turned out to be the winning goal 10 minutes before halftime.
The visitors were awarded a penalty midway through the second half. Balint Vescei took the shot but was saved by Otto Hindrick. Fortunately for the midfielder, the referee ordered a retake due to encroachment. This time, Vescei missed the target. This proved crucial, as the Romanian side, who finished second in their league, scored twice late to win 3-0 on the night and on aggregate.
Penalty kicks were necessary in Nyiregyhaza, as Levski Sofia and Hapoel Be'er Sheva finished with a 1-1 draw after extra time. During this time, Nev Iliassi became the hero, saving three penalties for the Bulgarians, leading them to a 3-1 victory in the shootout.
Even more drama unfolded in Serbia, as Partizan Belgrade came from behind twice - once in regulation and again in extra time - to force penalties against AEK Larnaca. The hosts won 2-1 on the night, tying the aggregate score at 2-2. After eight rounds of penalties, it was the Cypriots who triumphed 6-5 to advance.
The eight teams that were eliminated in this round will move to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. These teams will not have a break, as they will compete in the next stage over the next two Thursdays.
Follow all of the UEFA Europa League qualifying matches on Flashscore.
Links
Contact
App
