Zhytomyr's "Polissya", playing with a man advantage for the entire second half, narrowly lost to Danish "Copenhagen" (2:1) in the return match of the second qualifying round of the Conference League, reports UNN.
Details
At the start of the match, the Zhytomyr side looked sharper, but it was the Danes who opened the scoring. Giorgi Maisuradze brought down a "Copenhagen" player in his own penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty, which Mohamed Elyounoussi converted down the middle - 1:0.
At the start of the second half, "Copenhagen" were reduced to ten men: Dziunosuke Suzuki fouled Ihor Krasnopir at the edge of the penalty area, and the referee showed the Japanese player a red card.
However, even this advantage did not help "Polissya". In the 61st minute, "Copenhagen" launched a counterattack, which Robert finished - 2:0.
Just 30 seconds later, Borys Krushynskyi managed to reduce the deficit with a long-range shot, but it proved insufficient - 2:1 and 5:4 on aggregate over two legs.
Ultimately, despite the "wolves'" advantage in this match, "Copenhagen" advances further, where they will face "Debrecen" (Hungary) - "Pyunik" (Armenia), who will play tomorrow.
"Polissya", on the other hand, once again bids farewell to European competitions.
It is worth noting that before the match, "Polissya" received a commemorative gift from the Danish club.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, hospitality, and mutual respect. It is moments like these that make European competitions special - not only because of football, but also because of the friendly traditions between clubs," the club stated.
Ukrainian fans also thanked the Danish fans for their support of Ukraine in the first match.
Reminder
On Thursday, July 30, Cherkasy's "LNZ" will face Belgian "Gent" in the Conference League, while Kyiv's "Dynamo" will face "PAOK" in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.