Dynamo Squeeze Through on Penalties in Thrilling Europa League Qualifying as Sheriff and Hajduk Escape
The UEFA Europa League first qualifying round concluded on Thursday, with all six seeded teams progressing to the second qualifying round. However, some teams faced significant challenges to advance.
Dynamo Kyiv, a perennial participant on the continental scene, required a penalty shootout to overcome Universitatea Cluj after a 0-0 score in the second leg. The Ukrainian side converted all four of their penalties to win 4-2, setting up a clash with PAOK Thessaloniki in the next round.
Moldova's record champions Sheriff Tiraspol scored early to defeat Slovenian Cup winners Aluminij 1-0 on the road, prevailing 1-0 over the two legs despite the home side's 23 shots. Hajduk Split moved on with a 3-2 aggregate success, despite losing 2-1 at Zilina, marking their first successful negotiation of a two-legged tie in the UEL since 2018/19.
Ferencvaros took advantage of an early red card to beat Vojvodina 3-0 at home, winning 5-1 across the two legs. CSKA Sofia progressed with a 2-1 win at Derry City, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory, while Qarabag coasted through with a 3-0 away win against Vestri, matching their result from the first leg.
The second qualifying round will take place over the next two Thursdays, with 12 more teams entering the competition. The six defeated teams will drop down to the Conference League, continuing their European journey there.
Dynamo Kyiv, a perennial participant on the continental scene, required a penalty shootout to overcome Universitatea Cluj after a 0-0 score in the second leg. The Ukrainian side converted all four of their penalties to win 4-2, setting up a clash with PAOK Thessaloniki in the next round.
Moldova's record champions Sheriff Tiraspol scored early to defeat Slovenian Cup winners Aluminij 1-0 on the road, prevailing 1-0 over the two legs despite the home side's 23 shots. Hajduk Split moved on with a 3-2 aggregate success, despite losing 2-1 at Zilina, marking their first successful negotiation of a two-legged tie in the UEL since 2018/19.
Ferencvaros took advantage of an early red card to beat Vojvodina 3-0 at home, winning 5-1 across the two legs. CSKA Sofia progressed with a 2-1 win at Derry City, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory, while Qarabag coasted through with a 3-0 away win against Vestri, matching their result from the first leg.
The second qualifying round will take place over the next two Thursdays, with 12 more teams entering the competition. The six defeated teams will drop down to the Conference League, continuing their European journey there.
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