Champions League and Europa League 2017/18 Draw and (R)

[Werner Pichler]

The 2016/17 season hasn't even finished (we still don't know the third promoted
team to La Liga, for example), but European football already makes its long-
awaited return. These early qualification rounds can be so much fun, unless
they're turning out to be really embarrassing, which is quite often.


--

Draw for 1st CL Qualifying Round (June 27/28 and July 4/5)


Víkingur (FAR) v Trepça '89 (KOS)
The first European outing for a Kosovan team leads them to the Sheep Islands.

Hibernians FC (MLT) v FC Infonet Tallinn (EST)

Alashkert FC (ARM) v FC Santa Coloma (AND)

The New Saints (WAL) v Europa FC (GIB)
UK match-up.

Linfield FC (NIR) v La Fiorita (SMR)
La Fiorita have nominated Tommasi (age 43) again for the third year in a row.


--

Draw for 2nd CL Qualifying Round (July 12/13 and 19/20)
(no parachute to the Europa League for losers in this round)


APOEL FC (CYP) v F91 Dudelange (LUX)
Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
Qarabağ FK (AZE) v FC Samtredia (GEO)
FK Partizan (SRB) v Budućnost Podgorica (MNE)
Hibernians FC (MLT)/FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v RB Salzburg (AUT)

Salzburg notably entered the draw without further notices from UEFA regarding
the Leipzig situation, but they could have drawn Düdelingen and I was terrified
at that prospect.


FC Sheriff (MDA) v FK Kukësi (ALB)
FC Astana (KAZ) v Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT)
BATE Borisov (BLR) v Alashkert FC (ARM)/FC Santa Coloma (AND)
MŠK Žilina (SLK) v FC København (DEN)
Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN)
HNK Rijeka (CRO) v The New Saints (WAL)/Europa FC (GIB)

Dinamo Zagreb didn't win the Croatian championship. It's been about time.
Žilina were the top unseeded side, FCK the third-ranked seeded one, so on paper
this is the strongest tie.


Malmö FF (SWE) v Vardar Skopje (MKD)
Zrinjski Mostar (BIH) v NK Maribor (SLO)
Dundalk FC (IRL) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)
FH (ISL) v Víkingur (FAR)/Trepça '89 (KOS)
Linfield FC (NIR)/La Fiorita (SMR) v Celtic FC (SCO)
IFK Mariehamn (FIN) v Legia Warszawa (POL)

Linfield against Celtic could become, erm, 'interesting', if sectarian ideas
still run strong on both sides. And don't think nobody noticed that the Swedes
managed to smuggle in a second team!


--

Draw for 1st EL Qualifying Round (June 29 and July 6)


Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v KF Tirana (ALB)
FC Kairat (KAZ) v FK Atlantas (LTU)
Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) v Vasas FC (HUN)
FC Ordabasy (KAZ) v NK Široki Brijeg (BIH)
FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) v Floriana FC (MLT)

Valletta FC (MLT) v SS Folgore Falciano (SMR)
FK Ventspils (LAT) v Valur (ISL)
St Johnstone (SCO) v FK Trakai (LTU)
Odds BK (NOR) v Ballymena United FC (NIR)
Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) v FK Sūduva (LTU)

Mladost Lučani (SRB) v İnter Bakı (AZE)
Chikhura Sachkhere (GEO) v SCR Altach (AUT)
CS Fola Esch (LUX) v FC Milsami Orhei (MDA)
FK Partizani (ALB) v PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL)
UE Santa Coloma (AND) v NK Osijek (CRO)

FC Zaria Bălți (MDA) v FK Sarajevo (BIH)
Bala Town FC (WAL) v FC Vaduz (LIE)
VPS (FIN) v NK Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
Connah's Quay Nomads FC (WAL) v HJK (FIN)
SJK (FIN) v KR (ISL)

FC Shirak (ARM) v NK Gorica (SLO)
Zirä FK (AZE) v FC Differdange 03 (LUX)
FK Vojvodina (SRB) v MFK Ružomberok (SLK)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) v FC Pyunik (ARM)
FK Rabotnički (MKD) v SP Tre Penne (SMR)

Rangers FC (SCO) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX)
NK Domžale (SLO) v FC Flora Tallinn (EST)
Crusaders FC (NIR) v FK Liepāja (LAT)
Nõmme Kalju FC (EST) v B36 Tórshavn (FAR)
FC Levadia Tallinn (EST) v Cork City FC (IRL)

FC Dacia Chișinău (MDA) v FK Shkëndija (MKD)
PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) v FK Sutjeska (MNE)
FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) v FC Dunav Ruse (BUL)
Jagiellonia Białystok (POL) v FC Dinamo Batumi (GEO)
FK Željezničar (BIH) v FK Zeta (MNE)

AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB)
FC Midtjylland (DEN) v Derry City FC (IRL)
FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR) v NSÍ Runavík (FAR)
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) v FK Jelgava (LAT)
Lyngby BK (DEN) v Bangor City FC (WAL)

AS Trenčín (SLK) v FC Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO)
Lech Poznań (POL) v FK Pelister (MKD)
FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE) v FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM)
Videoton FC (HUN) v Balzan FC (MLT)
AEL (CYP) v St Joseph's FC (GIB)

KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB) v UE Sant Julià (AND)
FK Haugesund (NOR) v Coleraine FC (NIR)
Stjarnan (ISL) v Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL)
IFK Norrköping (SWE) v KF Prishtina (KOS)
AIK (SWE) v KÍ Klaksvík (FAR)


--

Draw for 2nd EL Qualifying Round (July 13 and 20)


FK Partizani (ALB)/PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) v Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR)/Vasas FC (HUN)
FK Željezničar (BIH)/FK Zeta (MNE) v AIK (SWE)/KÍ Klaksvík (FAR)
FK Haugesund (NOR)/Coleraine FC (NIR) v Lech Poznań (POL)/FK Pelister (MKD)
Apollon Limassol (CYP) v FC Zaria Bălți (MDA)/FK Sarajevo (BIH)

AEK Larnaca FC (CYP)/Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB) v FC Levadia Tallinn (EST)/Cork City FC (IRL)
Brøndby IF (DEN) v VPS (FIN)/NK Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
FK Rabotnički (MKD)/SP Tre Penne (SMR) v FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR)/NSÍ Runavík (FAR)
FC Kairat (KAZ)/FK Atlantas (LTU) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)/UE Sant Julià (AND)

IFK Norrköping (SWE)/KF Prishtina (KOS) v St Johnstone (SCO)/FK Trakai (LTU)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK)/FC Pyunik (ARM) v Lyngby BK (DEN)/Bangor City FC (WAL)
Panionios FC (GRE) v FC Shirak (ARM)/NK Gorica (SLO)
HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)/FK Sutjeska (MNE)

Stjarnan (ISL)/Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) v FK Mladá Boleslav
Zirä FK (AZE)/FC Differdange 03 (LUX) v FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM)
Nõmme Kalju FC (EST)/B36 Tórshavn (FAR) v Videoton FC (HUN)/Balzan FC (MLT)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)/KF Tirana (ALB) v SJK (FIN)/KR (ISL)

Chikhura Sachkhere (GEO)/SCR Altach (AUT) v FC Dinamo Brest (BLR)
Aberdeen FC (SCO) v FC Ordabasy (KAZ)/NK Široki Brijeg (BIH)
Valletta FC (MLT)/Folgore Falciano (SMR) v FC Utrecht (NED)
Östersunds FK (SWE) v Galatasaray SK (TUR)

Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)/FK Jelgava (LAT) v FC Midtjylland (DEN)/Derry City FC (IRL)
FK Vojvodina (SRB)/MFK Ružomberok (SLK) v SK Brann (NOR)
Mladost Lučani (SRB)/İnter Bakı (AZE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX)/FC Milsami Orhei (MDA)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT) v FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE)/FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM)

Crusaders FC (NIR)/FK Liepāja (LAT) v Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR)/FK Sūduva (LTU)
Bala Town FC (WAL)/FC Vaduz (LIE) v Odds BK (NOR)/Ballymena United FC (NIR)
FC Dacia Chișinău (MDA)/FK Shkëndija (MKD) v Connah's Quay Nomads FC (WAL)/HJK (FIN)
Qäbälä FK (AZE) v Jagiellonia Białystok (POL)/FC Dinamo Batumi (GEO)

FK Ventspils (LAT)/Valur (ISL) v NK Domžale (SLO)/FC Flora Tallinn (EST)
AS Trenčín (SLK)/FC Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) v Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR)
Rangers FC (SCO)/FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) v AEL (CYP)/St Joseph's FC (GIB)
FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ)/FC Dunav Ruse (BUL) v FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)/Floriana FC (MLT)
UE Santa Coloma (AND)/NK Osijek (CRO) v FC Luzern (SUI)


--

Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

On Monday, 19 June 2017 16:36:19 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> Draw for 2nd CL Qualifying Round (July 12/13 and 19/20)
> (no parachute to the Europa League for losers in this round)
>
>

> Hibernians FC (MLT)/FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v RB Salzburg (AUT)
>
> Salzburg notably entered the draw without further notices from UEFA regarding
> the Leipzig situation,

And confirmation from UEFA came in today. RB Leipzig and 'FC' Salzburg are both allowed to
play in Europe. I haven't expected anything else.

> Linfield FC (NIR)/La Fiorita (SMR) v Celtic FC (SCO)
>

> Linfield against Celtic could become, erm, 'interesting', if sectarian ideas
> still run strong on both sides.

And what I hadn't realised before, the first leg in Belfast was originally scheduled for July 12th, of
all days.

Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

On Tuesday, 20 June 2017 21:30:33 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>
> > Linfield FC (NIR)/La Fiorita (SMR) v Celtic FC (SCO)
> >
> > Linfield against Celtic could become, erm, 'interesting', if sectarian ideas
> > still run strong on both sides.
>
> And what I hadn't realised before, the first leg in Belfast was originally
> scheduled for July 12th, of all days.

Has been postponed to Friday, July 14th:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40374278

Go La Fiorita!


Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-06-19, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Alashkert FC (ARM) v FC Santa Coloma (AND)

Uros Nenadovic is the first goal scorer, and first matchwinner, of
the 2017/18 European season. 1-0 Alashkert.

[Werner Pichler]

--
1st CL Qualifying Round, 1st legs


27/06/2017

Alashkert FC (ARM) v FC Santa Coloma (AND) 1-0 (1-0)
(Nenadović 39')

Santa Coloma and their World Cup winner and Euro champion Joan Capdevila (39
by now) at least managed to keep the score closer than last year when they
lost 0-3 away in Armenia with three Andorrans sent off.


Víkingur (FAR) v Trepça '89 (KOS) 2-1 (1-1)
(G. Vatnhamar 17', Lawal 73'; Hajdari 39')

Even though the first match of a Kosovan team in Europe ends in defeat, they
still have all chances in the return leg.


Hibernians FC (MLT) v FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) 2-0 (0-0)
(Jorginho 63', Kristensen 73')

The Maltese champions just signed two players from the bottom team of the
Austrian second league (one of which already featured in this match) who now
could well play in the next round against the Austrian champions Salzburg.
Goal scorer Bjørn Kristensen grew up in Denmark but is a Maltese
international.


The New Saints (WAL) v Europa FC (GIB) 1-2 (1-1)
(Quigley 44'; Quillo 8', Gómez 78')

An ill-prepared British team embarrass themselves against Europa. Where have
I heard that one before?
Goals from BBC Wales: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40425899


28/06/2017

Linfield FC (NIR) v La Fiorita (SMR) 1-0 (0-0)
(J. Stewart 89')

Tommasi played 90 minutes, but the Sammarinese fell to a late goal, and
Linfield also missed a penalty.

Nevertheless, all five minnow ties are still close.



Return legs July 4


--
1st EL Qualifying Round, 1st legs

29/06/2017


FC Shirak (ARM) v NK Gorica (SLO) 0-2 (0-1)
(Kapić 15', 69')


FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) v FC Dunav Ruse (BUL) 1-0 (1-0)
(Bugaev 5')

There had been quite some confusion surrounding Ruse's participation since
the spot had originally been CSKA Sofia's, but as what's called CSKA these
days is actually the old Litex Lovech in disguise (the original CSKA having
dissolved due to bankruptcy) UEFA considers them a 'new' team and, as is the
rule, banned them from Europa for the first three years of their existence.
Still, Dunav weren't officially named as replacement until literally ten
minutes before the draw.


FC Kairat (KAZ) v FK Atlantas (LTU) 6-0 (4-0)
(Gohou 21', 50', Arshavin 26' (pen), 42', Iličević 30', 73')

The kind of game in which Arshavin always managed to shine. Some might also
remember Ivo Iličević from his time in Kaiserslautern and Hamburg.


FK Partizani (ALB) v PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) 1-3 (1-1)
(Sukaj 5'; Kossoko 27', 88', Nedelev 62')


FC Pyunik (ARM) v ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) 1-4 (1-1)
(Avetisyan 8' (pen); Hološko 23', 68', Savićević 62',
Shakhnazaryan 75' (og))

I think I already mentioned somewhere that Vukan Savićević is only a distant
relative of Dejan.


FK Ventspils (LAT) v Valur (ISL) 0-0 (0-0)


AS Trenčín (SLK) v FC Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) 5-1 (2-1)
(Mance 36', 40', Čataković 75', Paur 81', Beridze 87'; Guruli 10')


FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR) v NSÍ Runavík (FAR) 2-1 (1-0)
(Ostroukh 42', Noyok 52'; Knudsen 86')

Late goal could pave to way to a surprise in the return leg.


FC Levadia Tallinn (EST) v Cork City FC (IRL) 0-2 (0-1)
(Buckley 43', Beattie 82'; Red Card: Manga (Lev) 42')

Cork City, runaway leaders of the Irish League this season, are the best bet
to repeat Dundalk's heroics from last season.


Chikhura Sachkhere (GEO) v SCR Altach (AUT) 0-1 (0-1)
(Ngwat-Mahop 4')

Not exactly stellar, but I'll take it. For the return leg, I'll attend
either Altach's home match or Vaduz against Bala Town, as I'll be in the
area. Strangely enough, tickets for the match in Liechtenstein (one of the
most expensive places I know) are cheaper.


FC Dinamo Batumi (GEO) v Jagiellonia Białystok (POL) 0-1 (0-0)
(Sheridan 49')

Irishman Cillian Sheridan also missed a penalty for Jagiellonia in the first
half.


Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) v FK Sūduva (LTU) 0-0 (0-0)

Quite disappointing for the Belarusian league leaders.


FK Shkëndija (MKD) v FC Dacia Chișinău (MDA) 3-0 (2-0)
(Ibraimi 7' (pen), Radeski 11', 75')

The team from Tetovo, led by former Schalke flop Besart Ibraimi, last
season went all the way to the play-offs, so are not to be underestimated.


VPS (FIN) v NK Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO) 1-0 (1-0)
(Vahtera 12')


Nõmme Kalju FC (EST) v B36 Tórshavn (FAR) 2-1 (1-0)
(Tjapkin 13', Dmitrijev 79'; Johannesen 49')

Another promising away result for a Faroe team.


Lyngby BK (DEN) v Bangor City FC (WAL) 1-0 (1-0)
(Blume 13'; Red Card: Jónasson (Lyn) 87')

Blume is the little skunk's name in the German version of Bambi, just
saying.


Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) v Vasas FC (HUN) 4-3 (1-2)
(Georginho 19', Benayoun 88', Vered 90'+1, Sabo 90'+2; Pavlov 36', 43',
Kulcsár 52')

Michael Oenning's team completely threw away a pretty much perfect away
result in the last couple of minutes. And just like last year - it appears
that if Arshavin scores Yossi Benayoun has to score as well...


Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) v FK Jelgava (LAT) 2-0 (1-0)
(R. Varga 11', 69')


AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB) 5-0 (1-0)
(Florian 22', 68', Joan Tomàs 52', 65', Tričkovski 77' (pen))

Larnaca's heavily Spanish squad knew how to deal with the Gibraltarians.


FK Haugesund (NOR) v Coleraine FC (NIR) 7-0 (3-0)
(Tronstad 8', Abdi 33', Hajradinović 42', Ikedi 49', Ibrahim 52',
Huseklepp 61', Buduson 71')

Sven's favourite team off to a good start. Seven different goal scorers,
nice.


PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) v FK Sutjeska (MNE) 3-1 (3-0)
(Mapuku 1', 21', Procházka 45'+1; Marković 79'; Red Card: Radišić (Sut) 89')


Odds BK (NOR) v Ballymena United FC (NIR) 3-0 (1-0)
(Mladenovic 1', Broberg 53', Haugen 90'+2)


UE Santa Coloma (AND) v NK Osijek (CRO) 0-2 (0-0)
(Mioč 80', Lukić 90'+6)

Looks as if that was hard work.


FC Zaria Bălți (MDA) v FK Sarajevo (BIH) 2-1 (2-0)
(Zagynailov 7', Gómez 33'; Mihojević 74')

The only positive Moldovan result, and even that could be too little.


Zirä FK (AZE) v FC Differdange 03 (LUX) 2-0 (1-0)
(Gadze 22', Belfort 80')


CS Fola Esch (LUX) v FC Milsami Orhei (MDA) 2-1 (1-0)
(Dallevedove 5', Hadji 80'; Platica 81')

They'd probably rather taken the 1-0. Still, a good result for Luxembourg's
oldest club.


Bala Town FC (WAL) v FC Vaduz (LIE) 1-2 (0-2)
(Venables 61'; Zárate 21', Brunner 29')

Vaduz were relegated from the Swiss top division a month ago (reason: my
velvet-tipped harpoon - I attended one of their last home matches of the
season, when they still had a fighting chance) but continue to bolster the
Liechtenstein coefficient. Former RB Salzburg winger Gonzalo Zárate with a
goal.


Connah's Quay Nomads FC (WAL) v HJK (FIN) 1-0 (1-0)
(Woolfe 40')

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day. HJK currently lead the Finnish
League by 8 points.


KÍ Klaksvík (FAR) v AIK (SWE) 0-0 (0-0)

Another decent Faroe result.


Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v KF Tirana (ALB) 2-0 (1-0)
(Cohen 27', Dasa 64')


FC Midtjylland (DEN) v Derry City FC (IRL) 6-1 (3-0)
(Dal Hende 4', Riis 15', Poulsen 44' (pen), Kroon 59', 61', Kraev 84';
Curtis 66')


IFK Norrköping (SWE) v KF Prishtina (KOS) 5-0 (5-0)
(Moberg-Karlsson 10', Andersson 24', Eliasson 26', Holmberg 31', 40')

Apart from AIK and Lyngby, the other Scandinavian teams cruise through their
ties.


KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB) v UE Sant Julià (AND) 1-0 (0-0)
(Latifi 69')


FK Vojvodina (SRB) v MFK Ružomberok (SLK) 2-1 (2-0)
(Malbašić 8', 21'; Daniel 81')


NK Domžale (SLO) v FC Flora Tallinn (EST) 2-0 (0-0)
(Repas 77', Žužek 90')


FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) v Floriana FC (MLT) 3-0 (1-0)
(Boakye 45'+5, 89', Srnić 78'; Red Card: Ruiz (Flo) 45'+4)


Mladost Lučani (SRB) v İnter Bakı (AZE) 0-3 (0-2)
(Scarlatache 23', 41', Aliyev 75')


FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE) v FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM) 1-0 (0-0)
(Djurišić 57' (pen))


NK Široki Brijeg (BIH) v FC Ordabasy (KAZ) 2-0 (2-0)
(Krstanović 37' (pen), 45'+1)


SP Tre Penne (SMR) v FK Rabotnički (MKD) 0-1 (0-0)
(Mitrev 90')

More hard work.


Crusaders FC (NIR) v FK Liepāja (LAT) 3-1 (2-0)
(Lowry 28', Carvill 35', Owens 55'; Karašausks 61')

A bit surprising, considering the results of the other Northern Irish teams.


Lech Poznań (POL) v FK Pelister (MKD) 4-0 (3-0)
(Nielsen 28' (pen), Šitum 30', 57', Majewski 38')


Rangers FC (SCO) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) 1-0 (1-0)
(Miller 37')

Sold-out stadium, 50,000 in attendance, but a bit of a lacklustre effort.


St Johnstone (SCO) v FK Trakai (LTU) 1-2 (1-2)
(Shaughnessy 32'; Maksimov 14', Šilėnas 36'; Red Card: Šilėnas (Tra) 82')

Still - say what you want about Rangers, their return to Europe couldn't
come early enough for Scottish club football.


St Joseph's FC (GIB) v AEL (CYP) 0-4 (0-1)
(Arruabarrena 4', Mesca 51', Lafrance 65', 72')


Valletta FC (MLT) v SS Folgore Falciano (SMR) 2-0 (1-0)
(Borg 42', Velasco 48')


Videoton FC (HUN) v Balzan FC (MLT) 2-0 (0-0)
(Šćepović 79', Lazović 90'+4)

And even more hard work.


FK Željezničar (BIH) v FK Zeta (MNE) 1-0 (0-0)
(Lendrić 48')


KR (ISL) v SJK (FIN) 0-0 (0-0)


Stjarnan (ISL) v Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) 0-1 (0-1)
(Shaw 38')



Return legs July 4/6


--

Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-06-29, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Lyngby BK (DEN) v Bangor City FC (WAL) 1-0 (1-0)
> (Blume 13'; Red Card: Jónasson (Lyn) 87')
>
> Blume is the little skunk's name in the German version of Bambi, just
> saying.

First name Bror. For some reason that name really rubs me the wrong way.

> FC Midtjylland (DEN) v Derry City FC (IRL) 6-1 (3-0)
> (Dal Hende 4', Riis 15', Poulsen 44' (pen), Kroon 59', 61', Kraev 84';
> Curtis 66')

Played exactly 4 weeks after Midtjylland qualified for the tournament.
Not much of an offseason.

[El Kot]

Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) v FC Dunav Ruse (BUL) 1-0 (1-0)
> (Bugaev 5')
>
> There had been quite some confusion surrounding Ruse's participation since
> the spot had originally been CSKA Sofia's, but as what's called CSKA these
> days is actually the old Litex Lovech in disguise (the original CSKA having
> dissolved due to bankruptcy) UEFA considers them a 'new' team and, as is the
> rule, banned them from Europa for the first three years of their existence.

They are named "CSKA-Sofia" (the "-Sofia" suffix is officially part of the
name, that's how they registered, they had no rights to the "CSKA" trademark
because they were founded while the original CSKA was still playing in the
amateur divisions). And they are not linear descendants of Litex either, even
though they are owned by the same "businessman" and field most of the old Litex
players.

--
No, no, you can't e-mail me with the nono.

[Werner Pichler]

On Thursday, 29 June 2017 23:23:55 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
> On 2017-06-29, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Lyngby BK (DEN) v Bangor City FC (WAL) 1-0 (1-0)
> > (Blume 13'; Red Card: Jónasson (Lyn) 87')
> >
> > Blume is the little skunk's name in the German version of Bambi, just
> > saying.
>
> First name Bror. For some reason that name really rubs me the wrong way.

"Brother Flower"?

Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On Thursday, 29 June 2017 23:09:04 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> Rangers FC (SCO) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) 1-0 (1-0)
> (Miller 37')
>
> Sold-out stadium, 50,000 in attendance, but a bit of a lacklustre effort.
>
>
> St Johnstone (SCO) v FK Trakai (LTU) 1-2 (1-2)
> (Shaughnessy 32'; Maksimov 14', Šilėnas 36'; Red Card: Šilėnas (Tra) 82')
>
> Still - say what you want about Rangers, their return to Europe couldn't
> come early enough for Scottish club football.

The Gods are ever vigilant.

[Werner Pichler]

I had a feeling this would happen. This is a scalp I'm quite proud of.


Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

Also, when does it stop being a surprise?

Just within the last four seasons, Hibs lost 0-7 against Malmö, Motherwell were
eliminated against Stjarnan (Iceland), St Johnstone fell to Armenia's Alashkert
and the away goal rule, and Hearts bowed out thanks to a 1-2 home defeat against
Birkirkara from Malta. And that's not even mentioning individual results like
Celtic losing against Gibraltar's Red Imps and Aberdeen against Niederkorn's
fellow Luxembourgers Fola Esch.

Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On Wednesday, 5 July 2017 09:49:40 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:

You had help: https://i.redd.it/i6imynkomn7z.jpg
though surely that's too transparent for the Gods.

[Werner Pichler]

No, this is brilliant. Even Daniele could learn from this.


Ciao,
Werner

[Jesus Petry]

And this deserves a full "bwahahahaha"!

Tchau!
Jesus Petry

[Jesus Petry]

They've got talent!

Tchau!
Jesus Petry

[alka...@hotmail.com]

On Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 8:02:19 AM UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Wednesday, 5 July 2017 09:49:40 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > On Wednesday, 5 July 2017 09:40:20 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
> > > On Thursday, 29 June 2017 23:09:04 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Rangers FC (SCO) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) 1-0 (1-0)
> > > > (Miller 37')
> > > >
> > > > Sold-out stadium, 50,000 in attendance, but a bit of a lacklustre effort.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > St Johnstone (SCO) v FK Trakai (LTU) 1-2 (1-2)
> > > > (Shaughnessy 32'; Maksimov 14', Šilėnas 36'; Red Card: Šilėnas (Tra) 82')
> > > >
> > > > Still - say what you want about Rangers, their return to Europe couldn't
> > > > come early enough for Scottish club football.
> > >
> > > The Gods are ever vigilant.
> >
> > I had a feeling this would happen. This is a scalp I'm quite proud of.
>
> Also, when does it stop being a surprise?

I just heard about this result. The town of Niederkorn has a population of roughly 4.5K. The entire town couldn't fill the smallest stand at Ibrox Stadium.

[Futbolmetrix]

On 7/5/2017 8:26 AM, Werner Pichler wrote:
>>
>> You had help: https://i.redd.it/i6imynkomn7z.jpg
>> though surely that's too transparent for the Gods.
>
> No, this is brilliant. Even Daniele could learn from this.
>

Indeed, I tip my hat.

[Werner Pichler]

Her Majesty's Ambassador to Luxembourg had this to say:

https://twitter.com/HMAJohnMarshall/status/882361936884768768/

Ciao,
Werner


> Tchau!
> Jesus Petry

[Werner Pichler]

On Thursday, 29 June 2017 23:09:04 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>

Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round

--

1st CL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs


04/07/2017

FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v HIBERNIANS FC (MLT) 0-1 (0-0), 0-3 on aggregate
(Jorginho 88')

Only the third time in their history that Hibernians win a knock-out tie in
Europe, and the first time that they do so winning home and away. Both
Austrians that recently transferred to Malta from our second league played,
and will likely do so again in the next round against Salzburg.



Trepça '89 (KOS) - VÍKINGUR (FAR) 1-4 (0-2), 2-6 on aggregate
(Hasani 65'; Anghel 37', Islami 40' (og), S. Vatnhamar 52', 59';
Red Card: Kurtishaj (Tre) 33')

I had expected better from the Kosovan champions, but at least they had
12,000 attendance for their first ever European home match. After Gunnar
Vatnhamar had scored for the Vikings in the first match, it fell to his
older brother Sølvi to finish Trepça off in the return leg.



Europa FC (GIB) v THE NEW SAINTS (WAL) 1-3 aet (0-2, 1-2), 3-4 on aggregate
(Walker 53' (pen); Moya 37' (og), Quigley 41', 104';
Red Cards: Gómez (Eur) 58', Quillo (Eur) 59')

The Gibraltarian teams this year have the disadvantage that UEFA banned them
from using their stadium on the Rock, so they had to play their home matches
in Faro and on actual grass, instead of on that concrete-like surface next
to the airfield. The two red cards can't have helped, either.



FC Santa Coloma (AND) v ALASHKERT FC (ARM) 1-1 (0-1), 1-2 on aggregate
(Lima 63'; Nenadović 28')



La Fiorita (SMR) v LINFIELD FC (NIR) 0-0 (0-0), 0-1 on aggregate

So that Friday night CL clash with Celtic will take place after all, shame.
Still, San Marino got their first point since 2013 when Tre Penne won
against FC Shirak from Armenia, and it arrived just in time to prevent them
from posting a perfect 0 score in the UEFA five-year-ranking.


--

Draw for 2nd CL Qualifying Round (July 11/12/14 and 18/19)

APOEL FC (CYP) v F91 Dudelange (LUX)
Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
Qarabağ FK (AZE) v FC Samtredia (GEO)
FK Partizan (SRB) v Budućnost Podgorica (MNE)

Hibernians FC (MLT) v RB Salzburg (AUT)

FC Sheriff (MDA) v FK Kukësi (ALB)
FC Astana (KAZ) v Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT)
BATE Borisov (BLR) v Alashkert FC (ARM)

MŠK Žilina (SLK) v FC København (DEN)
Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN)
HNK Rijeka (CRO) v The New Saints (WAL)

Malmö FF (SWE) v Vardar Skopje (MKD)
Zrinjski Mostar (BIH) v NK Maribor (SLO)
Dundalk FC (IRL) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)
FH (ISL) v Víkingur (FAR)

Linfield FC (NIR) v Celtic FC (SCO)

IFK Mariehamn (FIN) v Legia Warszawa (POL)

--

1st EL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs


04/07/2017


Balzan FC (MLT) v VIDEOTON FC (HUN) 3-3 (1-2), 3-5 on aggregate
(Kaljević 3', 86' (pen), Effiong 56'; Géresi 15', Šćepović 23', Juhász 80')

Creditable performance by the Maltese.



FC PROGRÈS NIEDERKORN (LUX) v Rangers FC (SCO) 2-0 (0-0),
(Françoise 66', S. Thill 75')

Oh, my. In their previous 13 European matches, Niederkorn had managed to
score exactly one goal - they've now tripled that. To be fair, Rangers hit
the crossbar three times, but they only really woke up when they were
already two down.

The two historical goals:
https://gfycat.com/OldfashionedFastBrant
https://gfycat.com/BrokenFondChimneyswift



06/07/2017


AEL (CYP) v St Joseph's FC (GIB) 6-0 (3-0), 10-0 on aggregate
(Avraam 2', Ilia 37', 45'+6, Dani 52', A. Kyriakou 90', Mavrou 90'+2)

Mavrou also missed a penalty. Long stoppage times because of the necessity
for cooling breaks in the Cypriot heat.



FC Dacia Chișinău (MDA) v FK SHKËNDIJA (MKD) 0-4 (0-2), 0-7 on aggregate
(Alimi 32', Stênio Júnior 45', Zejnulai 81', Hasani 89' (pen);
Red Card: Andronic (Dac) 37')

As I said, I really wouldn't like to draw the Macedonians.



FK SŪDUVA (LTU) v Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) 2-1 (1-1), 2-1 on aggregate
(Leimonas 34', Jankauskas 90'+2; Kovalev 38';
Red Card: Matveichik (Sol) 43')

Considering that the Lithuanian league is usually the worst of all 'bigger'
European countries, while Soligorsk currently lead the Belarusian league
ahead of BATE, this was quite the surprise, on a matchday otherwise mostly
devoid of any. After their 92nd-minute winner, the Lithuanians also had to
pull off an acrobatic 94th-minute goal-line clearance in order to go
through. Might have crossed the line though:
https://gfycat.com/AffectionateThoroughIrishredandwhitesetter


FC Ordabasy (KAZ) v NK ŠIROKI BRIJEG (BIH) 0-0 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate



FC Milsami Orhei (MDA) v CS FOLA ESCH (LUX) 1-1 (1-0), 2-3 on aggregate
(A. Antoniuc 37'; Dallevedove 58'; Red Card: Graur (Mil) 86')

Fola emulate their neighbours from Niederkorn.



FK Pelister (MKD) v LECH POZNAŃ (POL) 0-3 (0-1), 0-7 on aggregate
(Trałka 39', Jevtić 66', Jóźwiak 77')



KF Tirana (ALB) v MACCABI TEL-AVIV FC (ISR) 0-3 (0-0), 0-5 on aggregate
(Schoenfeld 50', Itzhaki 80', Rikan 86'; Red Card: Sentamu (Tir) 45')

Former Columbus Crew forward Aaron Schoenfeld with a goal.



FK Jelgava (LAT) v FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN) 0-1 (0-1), 0-3 on aggregate
(Priskin 37')



FK RABOTNIČKI (MKD) v SP Tre Penne (SMR) 6-0 (2-0), 7-0 on aggregate
(Sahiti 28', Najdenov 43', 59', Markoski 71', Velinov 82', 83')



SJK (FIN) v KR (ISL) 0-2 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate
(Pálmason 51', Thomsen 83')

Yes, I realise both teams are written in capitals.



HJK (FIN) v Connah's Quay Nomads FC (WAL) 3-0 (2-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Yaghoubi 11', Pelvas 31', 55')

The Nomads couldn't repeat last year's heroics against Stabæk.



FK TRAKAI (LTU) v St Johnstone (SCO) 1-0 (0-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Maksimov 88'; Red Card: Klimavičius (Tra) 57')

I wrote that there weren't many surprises - this isn't one, right? But
seriously, Trakai were reduced to ten in *both* matches, for heaven's sake.
So Celtic last year won the league 39 points ahead of Rangers and 48 points
ahead of these guys, what an accomplishment. Surely not even Celtic fans can
be happy with this state of affairs?



FC Flora Tallinn (EST) v NK DOMŽALE (SLO) 2-3 (2-1), 2-5 on aggregate
(Beglarishvili 2', Ainsalu 22'; Firer 40', Ibričić 86' (pen), Balkovec 89')

The Estonians managed to level the first-leg deficit within 22 minutes, but
it was just a tease.
Some funny situations in this one:
Flora 1-0: https://gfycat.com/BronzeDescriptiveHoatzin
Domžale miss of the season: https://media.giphy.com/media/z5hjcwhNpMToA/giphy.gif


FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM) v FK MLADOST PODGORICA (MNE) 0-3 (0-0), 0-4 on aggregate
(Petrović 68', Kaludjerović 90'+2, Raičević 90'+4)



FK Atlantas (LTU) v FC KAIRAT (KAZ) 1-2 (1-2), 1-8 on aggregate
(Ciofu 12'; Iličević 35' (pen), Gohou 39')



FK LIEPĀJA v Crusaders FC 2-0 (1-0), 3-3 on aggregate, Liepāja through on away goals
(Eristavi 33' (pen), Karašausks 90'+4)

Eliminated thanks to a deflected shot in the 94th minute, that's harsh.
GIF: https://gfycat.com/TestyWeepyInganue



AIK (SWE) v KÍ Klaksvík (FAR) 5-0 (5-0), 5-0 on aggregate
(Markkanen 3', 6', 42', Ishizaki 16', Olsson 24')

Getting it over with quickly.



FC VADUZ (LIE) v Bala Town FC (WAL) 3-0 (3-0), 5-1 on aggregate
(Turkes 22', 39', Mathys 43')

Vaduz's third goal is worth seeing: https://streamable.com/8se1a



ŠK SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (SLK) v FC Pyunik (ARM) 5-0 (2-0), 9-1 on aggregate
(Mareš 10', 23', 64', de Kamps 62', Sekulič 66')



PFC BOTEV PLOVDIV (BUL) v FK Partizani (ALB) 1-0 (1-0), 4-1 on aggregate
(Brisola 22')

Have I ever mentioned thatBotev Plovdiv nicked their logo from Rapid Vienna?



FC Dunav Ruse (BUL) v FC IRTYSH PAVLODAR (KAZ) 0-2 (0-1), 0-3 on aggregate
(Maslac 6', Darabayev 88')

CSKA-replacement Dunav's European adventure ended quickly. Bulgaria next to
Scotland and Belarus the highest-ranked nation to have already lost a team.



MFK RUŽOMBEROK (SLK) v FK Vojvodina (SRB) 2-0 (0-0), 3-2 on aggregate
(Kovačević 67' (og), Maslo 87')

For some reason, Vojvodina sacked their coach after the first leg (which
they had won), a lot of good did that do. Slovakia the lowest-ranked nation
to still have all four teams alive, Vojvodina the highest-ranked team to
have been eliminated.



FC Differdange 03 (LUX) v ZIRÄ FK (AZE) 1-2 (1-0), 1-4 on aggregate
(Vandenbroeck 10'; Manga 64', Gadze 68')

All three Luxembourg EL teams in the next round would have been a bit much,
wouldn't it?



FC Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) v AS TRENČÍN (SLK) 0-3 (0-1), 1-8 on aggregate
(Gong 21', 64', Beridze 49')

His name is Gong, Hilary Gong.



İNTER BAKI (AZE) v Mladost Lučani (SRB) 2-0 (1-0), 5-0 on aggregate
(Dênis Silva 23', Hajiyev 74'; Red Card: Pejović (Mla) 45'+3)



Bangor City FC (WAL) v LYNGBY BK (DEN) 0-3 (0-3), 0-4 on aggregate
(Larsen 3', 43', Kjær 37')

Like AIK, getting the job done quickly after a lacklustre first leg. Jeppe
Kjær is no relation to Simon Kjær, as far as I can tell.



NSÍ Runavík (FAR) v FC DINAMO MINSK (BLR) 0-2 (0-1), 1-4 on aggregate
(Saroka 32', 90'+5 (pen); Red Card: Bykov 6')

No Faroe surprise against ten-man Belarusians.



KF Prishtina (KOS) v IFK NORRKÖPING (SWE) 0-1 (0-0), 0-6 on aggregate
(Andersson 71')

Bye-bye Kosovan teams, it's been a short pleasure. They still have a somewhat
surprisingly long way to go in order to reach the level of e.g the
Montenegrin League.



B36 Tórshavn (FAR) v NÕMME KALJU FC (EST) 1-2 (0-1), 2-4 on aggregate
(Heinesen 52'; Liliu 18', Valikaev 88')

So none of the Faroe hopes because of 'promising' results in the first leg
materialised in the end. Nõmme are the only Estonian team still alive.



FK Sarajevo (BIH) v FC ZARIA BĂLȚI (MDA) 2-1 aet (2-0, 2-1), 3-3 on aggregate, Zaria win 6-5 on penalties
(Hebibović 13', Kadušić 35' (pen); Mihojević 60' (og);
Red Card: Novicov (Zar) 90'+4)

Mirror image of the first match, in which it had been Zaria who had taken a
two-goal lead before the break, and Sarajevo captain Marko Mihojević scored
the away goal in both legs. The Bosnians missed a penalty in the 87th
minute, then missed two more in the shoot-out.



NK Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO) v VPS (FIN) 0-1 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate
(Strandvall 66')



UE Sant Julià (AND) v KF SKËNDERBEU KORÇË (ALB) 0-5 (0-2), 0-6 on aggregate
(Vujović 2', Adeniyi 38', Latifi 79', 90'+3, Vangjeli 90'+1)

The cynic in me wonders whether Skënderbeu could have been running an
'under' fix in the first leg.



SS Folgore Falciano (SMR) v VALLETTA FC (MLT) 0-1 (0-0), 0-3 on aggregate
(Santiago 65')



FK Zeta (MNE) v FK ŽELJEZNIČAR (BIH) 2-2 (1-1), 2-3 on aggregate
(Kukuličić 29', Krsotvić 76'; Zakarić 32', Lendrić 61')



Floriana FC (MLT) v FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) 3-3 (1-1), 3-6 on aggregate
(Pisani 45'+3 (pen), Vella 78', Varela 84'; Boakye 13', 70', Milijaš 76';
Red Cards: Gobeljić (Crv) 80', Varela (Flo) 84')

Like Balzan against Videoton, a 3-3 home draw for a Maltese team. Not enough
to progress for either one, though.



JAGIELLONIA BIAŁYSTOK (POL) v FC Dinamo Batumi (GEO) 4-0 (0-0), 5-0 on aggregate
(Tomelin 58', Černych 81', Runje 88', Sekulski 90'+3;
Red Card: Tarkhnishvili (Din) 75')

Georgia lost all Europa League teams at the first hurdle, just like last
season.



Vasas FC (HUN) v BEITAR JERUSALEM FC (ISR) 0-3 (0-1), 3-7 on aggregate
(Ezra 10', 61', Varenne 90'+1)

Beitar also missed a penalty (but scored from the ensuing corner ten
seconds later). Oenning, eh?



FK Sutjeska (MNE) v PFC LEVSKI SOFIA (BUL) 0-0 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate



SCR ALTACH (AUT) v Chikhura Sachkhere (GEO) 1-1 (1-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Nutz 29'; Tatanashvili 57')

Despite us desperately needing every point in the UEFA ranking, I decided
to direct my velvet-tipped harpoon at Altach and not at Vaduz, since I had
already attended a match in Liechtenstein before, but had never been to
Altach's 'Schnabelholz' venue aka 'Cashpoint-Arena'. In the first half it
was even worth it, as I witnessed what I'm pretty sure was the first 'Gol
Olímpico' I've ever seen live in the stadium, Stefan Nutz's corner nestled
perfectly in the top far corner. The second half was absolutely dire though,
with a constantly deteriorating and near the end honestly shocking quality
of play. Still, I'm just glad that my bad influence stopped short of
outright elimination and only cost us 0.125 points in the five-year ranking.
With me not there, Vaduz won of course.



NK GORICA (SLO) v FC Shirak (ARM) 2-2 (1-1), 4-2 on aggregate
(Prljević 13' (og), Osuji 90'+2; Kaba 34', Bichakhchyan 56';
Red Cards: Darbinyan (Shi) 88', Davoyan (Shi) 90'+2)

Shirak hit the post at 1-2. A lot closer than the Slovenians probably
expected.



CORK CITY FC (IRL) v FC Levadia Tallinn (EST) v 4-2 (1-2), 6-2 on aggregate
(Sheppard 28', Maguire 46', 86', 90'; Kobzar 15', Andreev 33')

Like their cross-city rivals Flora, Levadia just managed to tease their
faithful.



Ballymena United FC (NIR) v ODDS BK (NOR) 0-2 (0-0), 0-5 on aggregate
(Millar 79' (og), Haugen 88')



Coleraine FC (NIR) v FK HAUGESUND (NOR) 0-0 (0-0), 0-7 on aggregate



Derry City FC (IRL) v FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) 1-4 (1-2), 2-10 on aggregate
(McEneff 41'; Onuachu 7', 38', 69', Wikheim 59')

Have they changed the algorithm? In the last couple of years FCM were
mostly minimalists regarding the scoreline.



NK OSIJEK (CRO) v UE Santa Coloma (AND) 4-0 (2-0), 6-0 on aggregate
(Ejupi 8', Barišić 40' (pen), Bočkaj 56', 62')



SHAMROCK ROVERS FC (IRL) v Stjarnan (ISL) 1-0 (1-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Burke 20')



VALUR (ISL) v FK Ventspils (LAT) 1-0 (0-0), 1-0 on aggregate
(Larusson 71'; Red Card: Pavlovs (Ven) 76')



Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB) v AEK LARNACA FC (CYP) 1-1 (1-0), 1-6 on aggregate
(Bardon 42'; Jorge 78' (pen))

All Gibraltarian eliminated, a bad year for them compared to the last two
seasons! Actually, all 10 British Europa League entries (from Gibraltar,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) have been eliminated. Brexit indeed.

--

Draw for 2nd EL Qualifying Round (July 13 and 20)

PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) v Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR)

FK Željezničar (BIH) v AIK (SWE)
FK Haugesund (NOR) v Lech Poznań (POL)

Apollon Limassol (CYP) v FC Zaria Bălți (MDA)

AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v Cork City FC (IRL)

Brøndby IF (DEN) v VPS (FIN)

FK Rabotnički (MKD) v FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
FC Kairat (KAZ) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)

IFK Norrköping (SWE) v FK Trakai (LTU)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) v Lyngby BK (DEN)
Panionios FC (GRE) v NK Gorica (SLO)

HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)

Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) v FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE)
Zirä FK (AZE) v FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM)
Nõmme Kalju FC (EST) v Videoton FC (HUN)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v KR (ISL)

SCR Altach (AUT) v FC Dinamo Brest (BLR)

Aberdeen FC (SCO) v NK Široki Brijeg (BIH)
Valletta FC (MLT) v FC Utrecht (NED)

Östersunds FK (SWE) v Galatasaray SK (TUR)

Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) v FC Midtjylland (DEN)

MFK Ružomberok (SLK) v SK Brann (NOR)

İnter Bakı (AZE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX)

SK Sturm Graz (AUT) v FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE)

FK Liepāja (LAT) v FK Sūduva (LTU)

FC Vaduz (LIE) v Odds BK (NOR)

FK Shkëndija (MKD) v HJK (FIN)

Qäbälä FK (AZE) v Jagiellonia Białystok (POL)

Valur (ISL) v NK Domžale (SLO)
AS Trenčín (SLK) v Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR)

FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) v AEL (CYP)

FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) v FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)

[El Kot]

Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> PFC BOTEV PLOVDIV (BUL) v FK Partizani (ALB) 1-0 (1-0), 4-1 on aggregate
> (Brisola 22')
>

> Have I ever mentioned that Botev Plovdiv nicked their logo from Rapid Vienna?

Indeed they did, in 1917. I was surprised to learn that, because they've had
totally different logos in the years since 1945 and I thought that the current
one (since several years) is brand new. Apparently not; it's going back to the
roots, where the first logo was taken from Rapid, and the club colors - from the
Austrian Empire flag (or at least that's one of the versions).

[El Kot]

Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> FC Dunav Ruse (BUL) v FC IRTYSH PAVLODAR (KAZ) 0-2 (0-1), 0-3 on aggregate
> (Maslac 6', Darabayev 88')
>
> CSKA-replacement Dunav's European adventure ended quickly. Bulgaria next to
> Scotland and Belarus the highest-ranked nation to have already lost a team.

Irtysh eliminated Levski at the same stage a couple of years ago, so this is
not a total surprise. Plus, the Irtysh coach Dimiter Dimitrov "Hero" is a
Bulgarian and knows how to deal with BG clubs.
Having said that, Dunav's participation is slightly irregular (related to the
CSKA debacle). The initial arrangement was that the second placed team
("CSKA-Sofia") and the cup winner (Botev) qualify directly for EL, while the
third-place (Levski) playoff against the winner of the second playoff group
(Vereya). Dunav qualified in stead of C-S as fourth-placed, after UEFA confirmed
the C-S exclusion because of the 3-years rule. But given that the ban on C-S was
known well in advance, the BFU should have set Levski to qualify directly and
made the playoff between Dunav and Vereya. In that case Vereya (who IMO are
better than Dunav) could have qualified and had a better chance against Irtysh.

[El Kot]

Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> FK Sutjeska (MNE) v PFC LEVSKI SOFIA (BUL) 0-0 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate

It may not seem so from the score, but this was touch-and-go. Sutjeska
dominated the second half, did not score because of luck (bad for them, good for
Levski), and should rue their missed chances. If they had scored just once,
Levski would have collapsed and suffered an eliminating defeat. It was not
comfortable watching.
Levski is virtually a new team, playing together less than a month, with only
3 regulars from last season in the lineup. The defence is atrociously
unorientated, and the first leg win is totally up to the individual qualities of
he attacking players. As an additional blow, the talented playmaker Antonio
Vutov (back home on loan from Udinese) suffered a collapsed shower cabin that
cut him up, so was not available for the second leg. As a result, the attack was
disorientated as well.
In the meantime Levski have signed Jordi Gómez from Rayo Vallecano, but I
don't know if he'll be registered for the EL or if there will be time for him to
fit with the team to help in the next round against Hajduk.

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-07-07, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v HIBERNIANS FC (MLT) 0-1 (0-0), 0-3 on aggregate
> (Jorginho 88')
>
> Only the third time in their history that Hibernians win a knock-out tie in
> Europe, and the first time that they do so winning home and away. Both
> Austrians that recently transferred to Malta from our second league played,
> and will likely do so again in the next round against Salzburg.

Who would win a Hibernians - Hibernians match?

> Some funny situations in this one:
> Flora 1-0: https://gfycat.com/BronzeDescriptiveHoatzin
> Domžale miss of the season: https://media.giphy.com/media/z5hjcwhNpMToA/giphy.gif

WTF?!?

> FC VADUZ (LIE) v Bala Town FC (WAL) 3-0 (3-0), 5-1 on aggregate
> (Turkes 22', 39', Mathys 43')
>
> Vaduz's third goal is worth seeing: https://streamable.com/8se1a

What's the context here? Did Bala expect Vaduz to give them ball or what?
They're not paying any attention to the attackers-

> Bangor City FC (WAL) v LYNGBY BK (DEN) 0-3 (0-3), 0-4 on aggregate
> (Larsen 3', 43', Kjær 37')
>
> Like AIK, getting the job done quickly after a lacklustre first leg. Jeppe
> Kjær is no relation to Simon Kjær, as far as I can tell.

Kjær is not an unusual name. Currently there's 9258 of them in Denmark,
of which 14 are called Jeppe. Then comes the people who has it as their
middle name, but prefers it over their *sen last name (like Preben
Elkjær Larsen).

> B36 Tórshavn (FAR) v NÕMME KALJU FC (EST) 1-2 (0-1), 2-4 on aggregate
> (Heinesen 52'; Liliu 18', Valikaev 88')
>
> So none of the Faroe hopes because of 'promising' results in the first leg
> materialised in the end. Nõmme are the only Estonian team still alive.

At least Víkingur is still alive.

> Derry City FC (IRL) v FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) 1-4 (1-2), 2-10 on aggregate
> (McEneff 41'; Onuachu 7', 38', 69', Wikheim 59')

100% record!

[Werner Pichler]

On Saturday, 8 July 2017 23:45:11 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
> On 2017-07-07, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> > FC VADUZ (LIE) v Bala Town FC (WAL) 3-0 (3-0), 5-1 on aggregate
> > (Turkes 22', 39', Mathys 43')
> >
> > Vaduz's third goal is worth seeing: https://streamable.com/8se1a
>
> What's the context here? Did Bala expect Vaduz to give them ball or what?
> They're not paying any attention to the attackers-

It appears as if they expected to get the ball back, but I don't know with how
much merit. Or perhaps they simply forgot that you can't be off-side on a throw-
in, both the ref and a Vaduz player are making the corresponding gesture.

>
> > Bangor City FC (WAL) v LYNGBY BK (DEN) 0-3 (0-3), 0-4 on aggregate
> > (Larsen 3', 43', Kjær 37')
> >
> > Like AIK, getting the job done quickly after a lacklustre first leg. Jeppe
> > Kjær is no relation to Simon Kjær, as far as I can tell.
>
> Kjær is not an unusual name. Currently there's 9258 of them in Denmark,
> of which 14 are called Jeppe. Then comes the people who has it as their
> middle name, but prefers it over their *sen last name (like Preben
> Elkjær Larsen).

I always thought that was a middle name.

>
> > Derry City FC (IRL) v FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) 1-4 (1-2), 2-10 on aggregate
> > (McEneff 41'; Onuachu 7', 38', 69', Wikheim 59')
>
> 100% record!

Is it because van der Vaart is not playing?


Ciao,
Werner

[Bruce D. Scott]

Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
|> On Saturday, 8 July 2017 23:45:11 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
|>> On 2017-07-07, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
|>>
|>> > FC VADUZ (LIE) v Bala Town FC (WAL) 3-0 (3-0), 5-1 on aggregate
|>> > (Turkes 22', 39', Mathys 43')
|>> >
|>> > Vaduz's third goal is worth seeing: https://streamable.com/8se1a
|>>
|>> What's the context here? Did Bala expect Vaduz to give them ball or what?
|>> They're not paying any attention to the attackers-

|> It appears as if they expected to get the ball back, but I don't know
|> with how much merit. Or perhaps they simply forgot that you can't be
|> off-side on a throw- in, both the ref and a Vaduz player are making
|> the corresponding gesture.

It looks to me that the attacker was off-field and came in over the goal
line. Is that the case and if so is it (I guess it is) legal?

"someone had blundered..." :-)

--
ciao,
Bruce

drift wave turbulence: http://www.rzg.mpg.de/~bds/

[Werner Pichler]

On Tuesday, 20 June 2017 21:30:33 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:

> On Monday, 19 June 2017 16:36:19 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >
> > Draw for 2nd CL Qualifying Round (July 12/13 and 19/20)
> > (no parachute to the Europa League for losers in this round)
> >
> >
> > Hibernians FC (MLT)/FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v RB Salzburg (AUT)
> >
> > Salzburg notably entered the draw without further notices from UEFA
> > regarding the Leipzig situation,
>
> And confirmation from UEFA came in today. RB Leipzig and 'FC' Salzburg are
> both allowed to play in Europe. I haven't expected anything else.

Here's UEFA's decision including a detailed reasoning:

https://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/OfficialDocument/uefaorg/ClubFinancialControl/02/48/50/34/2485034_DOWNLOAD.pdf

It was a close call, UEFA's Chief Investigator initially called for Leipzig's
exclusion. As expected, the crucial aspect was RB's relationship to Salzburg
and the definition of 'decisive influence' (nobody disputed the decisive
influence Red Bull have on Leipzig, and it wasn't part of the investigation).

What saved them was that Salzburg is now close to financing themselves through
transfer fees (in the last four years, excluding Leipzig transfers: Mané,
Kampl, Soriano, Alan, Hinteregger, Wanderson). There's been an additional
substantial influx of money from Leipzig for the likes Gulácsi, Ilsanker,
Bernardo, Keïta, Upamecano and now Laimer, all for surprisingly round figures
and with little haggling, and UEFA did look at those closely - but considering
that Liverpool now allegedly offer 65m € for Naby Keïta it is in fact hard to
argue that the 15m€ that Leipzig payed for him to Salzburg constituted some
sort of illicit sponsoring.

This money flows allowed Red Bull to noticeably, and sufficiently for UEFA,
dial down their involvement in Salzburg. Salzburg still had to change their
international logo (now just one bull) to differentiate it better from
Leipzig's (and as somebody who's had to do with Red Bull marketing people and
knows how anal they are about their brand, this must have hurt them), but
incidentally or not this means it now simply looks more like their
new 'Organics' product line than the classic Red Bull can.


So there you have it, the blueprint for having multiple teams in UEFA
competitions. It's not _that_ easy, but possible.



Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 14 July 2017 12:24:05 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Tuesday, 20 June 2017 21:30:33 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > On Monday, 19 June 2017 16:36:19 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > >
> > > Draw for 2nd CL Qualifying Round (July 12/13 and 19/20)
> > > (no parachute to the Europa League for losers in this round)
> > >
> > >
> > > Hibernians FC (MLT)/FC Infonet Tallinn (EST) v RB Salzburg (AUT)
> > >
> > > Salzburg notably entered the draw without further notices from UEFA
> > > regarding the Leipzig situation,
> >
> > And confirmation from UEFA came in today. RB Leipzig and 'FC' Salzburg are
> > both allowed to play in Europe. I haven't expected anything else.
>
> Here's UEFA's decision including a detailed reasoning:
>
> https://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/OfficialDocument/uefaorg/ClubFinancialControl/02/48/50/34/2485034_DOWNLOAD.pdf
>
> It was a close call, UEFA's Chief Investigator

BTW that was Yves Leterme, former Belgian prime minister.

Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

2nd CL Qualifying Round, 1st legs

--

11/07/2017


Qarabağ FK (AZE) v FC Samtredia (GEO) 5-0 (3-0)
(Ismayilov 10' (pen), Ndlovu 37', 45'+1 (pen), Guerrier 83', Míchel 90'+2)

Safe to say that Georgia will have no teams left alive after next week.



Hibernians FC (MLT) v RB Salzburg (AUT) 0-3 (0-2)
(Berisha 32' (pen), Hwang 35', Minamino 54'; Red Card: Berisha (RBS) 86')

A handball penalty and two goalkeeper mistakes, this is not the round they
normally fail in. Valon Berisha got somewhat harshly sent off for a high
challenge, when the Maltese several times lunged in with both feet but got
away with bookings.



FK Partizan (SRB) v Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) 2-0 (0-0)
(Đurđević 53' (pen), Leonardo 63')



HNK Rijeka (CRO) v The New Saints (WAL) 2-0 (1-0)
(Mišić 5', Matei 69')

The Welsh champions could have made the return leg a bit more interesting,
but late on missed a sitter.



--

12/07/2017


Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT) v FC Astana (KAZ) 0-1 (0-0)
(Twumasi 73')

Jūrmala didn't register a single shot on goal, but the Kazakh champions
still needed a goalkeeper blunder, Spartaks keeper Nerugals let Patrick
Twumasi's free-kick squirm through.



APOEL FC (CYP) v F91 Dudelange (LUX) 1-0 (0-0)
(Bertoglio 71')

Düdelingen had their chances in this one, including a missed one-on-one
with the Cypriot keeper.
Salzburg will be watching the outcome of this tie with bated breath.



FC Sheriff (MDA) v FK Kukësi (ALB) 1-0 (0-0)
(Badibanga 79' (pen))

The Moldavians hit the post twice, but needed a handball penalty to prevail.
Late on the Cookies also hit the post.



Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) 2-1 (1-0)
(Vítor 35', Einbinder 52'; Lanzafame 63')

All three goals from crosses, but Dan Einbinder's loop jump was the most
elegant way of meeting them. Davide Lanzafame was once a Fantasy Scout pick.



Malmö FF (SWE) v FK Vardar (MKD) 1-1 (0-0)
(Brorsson 75'; Nikolov 63')

Vardar have a Brazilian striker called Balotelli, so are not to be
underestimated, but Malmö were unlucky, too - in the 94th minute Brorsson's
shot crashed off the underside of the crossbar, bounced onto the goal line
and went out.
Salzburg will be watching the outcome of this tie with bated breath.



Zrinjski Mostar (BIH) v NK Maribor (SLO) 1-2 (0-1)
(Todorović 89'; Zahovič 43', Tavares 90'+4 (pen);
Red Card: Vrhovec (Mar) 68')

11 minutes in, Zrinjski got a penalty, but Nemanja Bilbija sent his spot
kick onto the right post from where it hopped into Jasmin Handanovič's
arms. Zlatko Zahovič's son gave Maribor the lead, and despite a late
equaliser against ten men the Hercegovinians gave away a stupid last-minute
penalty that greatly reduces their chances in the return leg.



BATE Borisov (BLR) v Alashkert FC (ARM) 1-1 (1-0)
(Rios 43'; Rios 78' (og))

Aleksei Rios first headed in the opening goal, then was helpless when
BATE's young goalkeeper Scherbitskiy pushed Dashyan's cross against his
leg.



IFK Mariehamn (FIN) v Legia Warszawa (POL) 0-3 (0-3)
(Guilherme 8' (pen), Nagy 40', Hämäläinen 44'; Red Card: Dafaa (Mar) 61')

Mariehamn continue to wait for their first ever win in Europe. Not a good
night for Swedish and quasi-Swedish CL entries.



Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) 2-1 (0-1)
(Nyuiadzi 78', Kuklys 86'; Anicet Abel 18'; Red Card: Šernas (Žal) 90'+4)

The Lithuanian teams this year continue to surprise, Kuklys' winner was a
beauty. Also, I'll never forgive Malagasy international Anicet Abel
Andrianantenaina that he doesn't go by his last name.



MŠK Žilina (SLK) v FC København (DEN) 1-3 (1-0)
(Špalek 39'; Pavlović 68', 73', 83'; Red Card: Káčer (Žil) 61')

Miroslav Káčer's controversial second yellow for a dive proved to be very
costly.



Dundalk FC (IRL) v Rosenborg BK (NOR) 1-1 (1-1)
(McMillan 18'; Reginiussen 44')

A bit of a missed opportunity for Dundalk, Rosenborg were hardly brilliant.



FH (ISL) v Víkingur (FAR) 1-1 (0-0)
(Pálsson 49'; Lawal 73' (pen))

What an opportunity for the Faroe champions, and the possible opponent in the
next round wouldn't be unbeatable either.



--

14/07/2017


Linfield FC (NIR) v Celtic FC (SCO) 0-2 (0-2)
(Haughey 17' (og), Rogic 23')

All this trouble, and it was effectively over after 25 minutes.



--

Draw for 3rd CL Qualifying Round (July 25/26 and August 1/2)


Champions Route:


SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v BATE Borisov (BLR)/Alashkert FC (ARM)
Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT)/FC Astana (KAZ) v IFK Mariehamn (FIN)/Legia Warszawa (POL)
Zrinjski Mostar (BIH)/NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL)/Víkingur (FAR)
MŠK Žilina (SLK)/FC København (DEN) v Malmö FF (SWE)/FK Vardar (MKD)
Linfield FC (NIR)/Celtic FC (SCO) v Dundalk FC (IRL)/Rosenborg BK (NOR)

Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR)/Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) v Žalgiris Vilnius LTU)/Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP)/F91 Dudelange (LUX)
Hibernians FC (MLT)/RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)/The New Saints (WAL)
FK Partizan (SRB)/Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) v Olympiacos FC (GRE)


League Route:

FCSB (yes, that's their name now) (ROM) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
OGC Nice (FRA) v AFC Ajax (NED)
FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v BSC Young Boys (SUI)
AEK FC (GRE) v PFC CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)



--

2nd EL Qualifying Round, 1st legs

--

12/07/2017


İnter Bakı (AZE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX) 1-0 (0-0)
(Seyidov 89')

Fola missed some great chances to score the away goal, and fell to a
deflected shot in the dying minutes.



--

13/07/2017


FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) v FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 1-1 (0-0)
(Živković 90+3 (pen); Boakye 51' (pen))

An egregious handball by Dušan Anđelković in stoppage time gifted the
Kazakhs the equaliser.



FC Kairat (KAZ) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB) 1-1 (1-0)
(Gohou 9'; Nimaga 72')

The kind of match in which Arshavin always managed to disappear.



Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v KR (ISL) 3-1 (0-0)
(Schoenfeld 65', Kjartansson 79', Atzily 82'; Pálmason 58')

Again an Icelander scored against his fellow countrymen. This has to stop.



FK Shkëndija (MKD) v HJK (FIN) 3-1 (1-1)
(Ibraimi 45' (pen), 59', 64' (pen); Jallow 35';
Red Card: Patronen (HJK) 63')

Finnish clumsiness in the penalty box was duly punished.



FK Rabotnički (MKD) v FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR) 1-1 (0-0)
(Najdenov 90'+3 (pen); Khvaschinski 53'; Red Card: Sahiti (Rab) 83')

With Vardar's draw in Sweden, it's not been a bad week for Macedonia.



MFK Ružomberok (SLK) v SK Brann (NOR) 0-1 (0-0)
(Acosta Evans 47')



Nõmme Kalju FC (EST) v Videoton FC (HUN) 0-3 (0-1)
(Pátkai 8', Šćepović 47' (pen), 74' (pen))

Safe to say that Estonia will have no teams left alive after next week.



SCR Altach (AUT) v FC Dinamo Brest (BLR) 1-1 (0-0)
(Nutz 49'; Sedko 74'; Red Card: Aliseiko (Din) 88')

Meh. Bad first half, but after the break Altach were clearly superior. They
missed a ton of chances though (and needed a terrible mistake by Brest's
Brazilian rightback Nivaldo to score), and stupidly conceded on the break
(with a foul by Brest in the build-up not punished).



Brøndby IF (DEN) v VPS (FIN) 2-0 (2-0)
(Pukki 16', Fisker 28')



FK Liepāja (LAT) v FK Sūduva (LTU) 0-2 (0-1)
(Verbickas 18', Laukžemis 75')

What a week for the Lithuanian teams, who already play their best European
season since 2008/09 (when Kaunas eliminated pre-bankruptcy Rangers).



FC Vaduz (LIE) v Odds BK (NOR) 0-1 (0-1)
(Occéan 42')

Guess which match I attended? Vaduz hit the woodwork twice.
But at least I got to see that legend of Canadian football score! And with
a fine scissor kick, too.



Östersunds FK (SWE) v Galatasaray SK (TUR) 2-0 (0-0)
(Ghoddos 68', Hopcutt 90'+2)

Whoa. A month before the start of the Turkish League is certainly the best
time to catch a team like Gala cold, but still.
Nice solo goal by Englishman Jamie Hopcutt, whose career story is a bit
Vardy-like.



Qäbälä FK (AZE) v Jagiellonia Białystok (POL) 1-1 (0-1)
(Joseph-Monrose 47'; Romanchuk 15')



FK Haugesund (NOR) v Lech Poznań (POL) 3-2 (1-0)
(Abdi 24', Hajradinović 71', Ibrahim 73'; Majewski 75', Jevtić 90+3 (pen))

A 3-0 lead 15 minutes from the end turned into quite the disappointment for
the Norwegians.



Apollon Limassol (CYP) v FC Zaria Bălți (MDA) 3-0 (3-0)
(Schembri 10', Alex 21' (pen), João Pedro 28')



Valletta FC (MLT) v FC Utrecht (NED) 0-0 (0-0)



FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM) v Zirä FK (AZE) 2-1 (1-1)
(Ioniţă 31', Dandea 55', Le Tallec 74'; Sadygov 34')

Yeah, that Le Tallec. His brother Damien also played that day, for Red Star
Belgrade. Sinama-Pongolle is currently in the Thailand 2nd division, I
believe.



FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) v AEL (CYP) 0-1 (0-0)
(Arruabarrena 66')

Limassol are not Rangers.



IFK Norrköping (SWE) v FK Trakai (LTU) 2-1 (1-0)
(Andersson 32', Holmberg 61'; Maksimov 66')

And another quite decent Lithuanian result.



Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) v PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) 1-1 (1-0)
(Khila 11'; Yusein 73')



ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) v Lyngby BK (DEN) 0-1 (0-0)
(Kjær 75')

One well-executed counter-attack decided an otherwise quite even match.



AS Trenčín (SLK) v Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR) 1-1 (0-1)
(Paur 59'; Valskis 3'; Red Card: Kandil (Bne) 80')



SK Sturm Graz (AUT) v FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE) 0-1 (0-1)
(Krkotić 2' (pen); Red Card: Kaluđerović (Mla) 90'+2)

32 seconds into the new season Christian Schulz, the full experience of 41
European matches (16 in the CL) with Bremen and Hannover under his belt,
mishit a simple back pass and was forced to bring down Ivan Knežević in the
box, escaping a red card for some reason (refereeing was all over the place
in this match) but still causing a penalty. In the remaining 94 minutes
Sturm ineffectively tried to get past a ten-man Montenegrin wall.
Absolutely terrible match.

Sturm are now winless in their last nine matches in Europe. Is this some
sort of message from the Weauxf Godz because I mocked the Scottish League?
I've no regrets.



HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) 1-0 (1-0)
(Futács 24' (pen))



NK Osijek (CRO) v FC Luzern (SUI) 2-0 (0-0)
(Ejupi 66', Grezda 79')

Quite surprisingly the Croatians were dominating the match and could have
scored some more. Macedonian striker Muzafer Ejupi headed in Bočkaj's
wicked long throw-in, and Luzern's young keeper Omlin pushed Albanian
international Eros Grezda's cross into his own net.



Aberdeen FC (SCO) v NK Široki Brijeg (BIH) 1-1 (1-0)
(Christie 18'; Marković 69')



Cork City FC (IRL) v AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) 0-1 (0-0)
(Truyols 70')

Cork suffered their first defeat in 26 matches, or their entire 2017
season. The Cypriots' winning goal came from a corner kick, too.



FK Željezničar (BIH) v AIK (SWE) 0-0 (0-0)



Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) v FC Midtjylland (DEN) 2-4 (2-1)
(Botka 22', Varga 42'; Poulsen 45'+1 (pen), 61', 67' (pen), Onuacho 90';
Red Card: Koch (Fer) 45'+1)

As with Žilina against FCK, a Red Card paved the way for the Danish side
against their central European opponents. Unlike in that other match
nothing controversial about former Dortmund prospect Julian Koch's
dismissal for a last man foul though. FCM added two more from a free-kick
and another penalty, and just after Fradi had hit the post Paul Onuacho
tapped in the fourth.



Panionios FC (GRE) v NK Gorica (SLO) 2-0 (1-0)
(Yesil 12', 47'; Red Card: Kavčič (Gor) 45')



Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) v FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE) 2-3 (0-1)
(Burke 48, 90'+2; Mebrahtu 35', 63', Chramosta 88')

As a forward, you cannot be more appropriately named than Mladá Boleslav's
Aussie winger Gol-gol Mebrahtu.



Valur (ISL) v NK Domžale (SLO) 1-2 (1-1)
(Larusson 36' (pen); Repas 23'; Ibričić 73' (pen))



--

Draw for 3rd EL Qualifying Round (July 27 and August 3)


PSV (NED) v NK Osijek (CRO)/FC Luzern (SUI)
IFK Norrköping (SWE)/FK Trakai (LTU) v FK Shkëndija (MKD)/HJK (FIN)
FC Krasnodar (RUS) v ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK)/Lyngby BK (DEN)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT)/FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Qäbälä FK (AZE)/Jagiellonia Białystok (POL)

Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL)/FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE) v FC Kairat (KAZ)/KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)
FK Austria Wien (AUT) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX)/AEL (CYP)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v FC Vaduz (LIE)/Odds BK (NOR)
FC Dinamo București (ROM) v Athletic Club (ESP)
FC Olimpik Donetsk (UKR) v PAOK FC (GRE)
MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) v Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)/FC Midtjylland (DEN)

Östersunds FK (SWE)/Galatasaray SK (TUR) v İnter Bakı (AZE)/CS Fola Esch (LUX)
FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA) v Nõmme Kalju FC (EST)/Videoton FC (HUN)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)/KR (ISL) v Panionios FC (GRE)/NK Gorica (SLO)
Valletta FC (MLT)/FC Utrecht (NED) v FK Haugesund (NOR)/Lech Poznań (POL)
CS Universitatea Craiova (ROM) v AC Milan (ITA)
Brøndby IF (DEN)/VPS (FIN) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)/PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)

KRC Gent (BEL) v SCR Altach (AUT)/FC Dinamo Brest (BLR)
FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM)/Zirä FK (AZE) v FC Oleksandriya (UKR)
Everton FC (ENG) v MFK Ružomberok (SLK)/SK Brann (NOR)
Aberdeen FC (SCO)/NK Široki Brijeg (BIH) v Apollon Limassol (CYP)/FC Zaria Bălți (MDA)
FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ)/FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) v AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR)/PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) v CS Marítimo (POR)

FC Zenit (RUS) v AS Trenčín (SLK)/Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) v KV Oostende (BEL)
SC Freiburg (GER) v Valur (ISL)/NK Domžale (SLO)
Cork City FC (IRL)/AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v FK Rabotnički (MKD)/FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
FK Željezničar (BIH)/AIK (SWE) v SC Braga (POR)
FK Liepāja (LAT)/FK Sūduva (LTU) v FC Sion (SUI)


--

Ciao,
Werner

[Futbolmetrix]

On 7/14/2017 4:42 PM, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) 2-1 (1-0)

^^^^^
Nice spelling!

> (Vítor 35', Einbinder 52'; Lanzafame 63')
>
> All three goals from crosses, but Dan Einbinder's loop jump was the most
> elegant way of meeting them. Davide Lanzafame was once a Fantasy Scout pick.

Not to mention a Juventus player. Not a great result for Beer-Sheva.

>
> IFK Mariehamn (FIN) v Legia Warszawa (POL) 0-3 (0-3)
> (Guilherme 8' (pen), Nagy 40', Hämäläinen 44'; Red Card: Dafaa (Mar) 61')

If only Jaro were in this one (hint, hint...)

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-07-14, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v BATE Borisov (BLR)/Alashkert FC (ARM)
> Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT)/FC Astana (KAZ) v IFK Mariehamn (FIN)/Legia Warszawa (POL)
> Zrinjski Mostar (BIH)/NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL)/Víkingur (FAR)
> MŠK Žilina (SLK)/FC København (DEN) v Malmö FF (SWE)/FK Vardar (MKD)
> Linfield FC (NIR)/Celtic FC (SCO) v Dundalk FC (IRL)/Rosenborg BK (NOR)
>
> Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR)/Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) v Žalgiris Vilnius LTU)/Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
> FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP)/F91 Dudelange (LUX)
> Hibernians FC (MLT)/RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)/The New Saints (WAL)
> FK Partizan (SRB)/Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) v Olympiacos FC (GRE)
>
>
> League Route:
>
> FCSB (yes, that's their name now) (ROM) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
> OGC Nice (FRA) v AFC Ajax (NED)
> FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v BSC Young Boys (SUI)
> AEK FC (GRE) v PFC CSKA Moscow (RUS)
> Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)

The contrast between the two routes is massive.

> Brøndby IF (DEN) v VPS (FIN) 2-0 (2-0)
> (Pukki 16', Fisker 28')

Pukki scoring against Finns.

> FC Vaduz (LIE) v Odds BK (NOR) 0-1 (0-1)
> (Occéan 42')
>
> Guess which match I attended? Vaduz hit the woodwork twice.

Not Sturm Graz?

> ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) v Lyngby BK (DEN) 0-1 (0-0)
> (Kjær 75')
>
> One well-executed counter-attack decided an otherwise quite even match.

> Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) v FC Midtjylland (DEN) 2-4 (2-1)
> (Botka 22', Varga 42'; Poulsen 45'+1 (pen), 61', 67' (pen), Onuacho 90';
> Red Card: Koch (Fer) 45'+1)

Poulsen also with an assist.

Still 100%. Same goes for Croatia, but they've played fewer games.

> FC Krasnodar (RUS) v ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK)/Lyngby BK (DEN)

End of the line.

> MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) v Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)/FC Midtjylland (DEN)

Doable.

> Brøndby IF (DEN)/VPS (FIN) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)/PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)

Whatever.

> SC Freiburg (GER) v Valur (ISL)/NK Domžale (SLO)

Soft start for Freiburg.

[Werner Pichler]

On Sunday, 16 July 2017 19:48:24 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
> On 2017-07-14, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v BATE Borisov (BLR)/Alashkert FC (ARM)
> > Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT)/FC Astana (KAZ) v IFK Mariehamn (FIN)/Legia Warszawa
> > (POL)
> > Zrinjski Mostar (BIH)/NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL)/Víkingur (FAR)
> > MŠK Žilina (SLK)/FC København (DEN) v Malmö FF (SWE)/FK Vardar (MKD)
> > Linfield FC (NIR)/Celtic FC (SCO) v Dundalk FC (IRL)/Rosenborg BK (NOR)
> >
> > Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR)/Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) v Žalgiris Vilnius

> > (LTU)/Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)

> > FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP)/F91 Dudelange (LUX)
> > Hibernians FC (MLT)/RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)/The New Saints
> > (WAL)
> > FK Partizan (SRB)/Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) v Olympiacos FC (GRE)
> >
> >
> > League Route:
> >
> > FCSB (yes, that's their name now) (ROM) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
> > OGC Nice (FRA) v AFC Ajax (NED)
> > FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v BSC Young Boys (SUI)
> > AEK FC (GRE) v PFC CSKA Moscow (RUS)
> > Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)
>
> The contrast between the two routes is massive.

As always. The last little concession to the smaller nations. 5 spots available
for the champions of 43 nations. From next year, there will be 6 spots, but for
the bottom 45 nations (starting from 11th).

> > FC Vaduz (LIE) v Odds BK (NOR) 0-1 (0-1)
> > (Occéan 42')
> >
> > Guess which match I attended? Vaduz hit the woodwork twice.
>
> Not Sturm Graz?

I'm rarely around for home games anymore, unfortunately (or, fortunately).
But they managed to mess up just fine even without any help from my harpoon.


Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

But this wasn't any old home game; it was a mighty EL battle against
the European giants from ... I forgot who you were playing.

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 14 July 2017 22:42:04 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>
>

Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round


--

2nd CL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs


Plenty of close calls, but only one real upset as 16 out of 17 seeded
teams made it through. This round is always such a bloodbath, without the
Europa League parachute a lot of countries lose their best teams already in
mid-July.



18/07/2017


FC ASTANA (KAZ) v FK Spartaks Jūrmala (LAT) 1-1 (0-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Twumasi 59'; Vardanjans 72')

Very much suffered qualification for the Kazakh champions.



Alashkert FC (ARM) v FC BATE BORISOV (BLR) 1-3 (1-2), 2-4 on aggregate
(Nenadović 18'; Gordeichuk 23', 35', M. Volodko 78')

The Armenian dream lasted all of five minutes.



FK VARDAR (MKD) v Malmö FF (SWE) 3-1 (0-1), 4-2 on aggregate
(Grnčarov 56', Barseghyan 61', Nikolov 90'+1; Rosenberg 16' (pen))

A header from a corner kick, a rebound after a penalty, and a last-minute
counter-attack, as Malmö by all accounts went out with a whimper and not a
bang. What's worse, with just one draw to their favour in two European
seasons they're also destroying their own club coefficient which they
worked so hard to build by reaching the Champions League twice.

At the other end, it's the third year in a row that a Macedonian team will
reach at least EL Play-offs (after Rabotnički in 2015/16 and Shkëndija in
2016/17). That league is really not that bad.



FC Samtredia (GEO) v QARABAǦ FK 0-1 (0-1), 0-6 on aggregate
(Guerrier 22')

The Georgian teams lost seven of their eight matches in Europe. The only
draw they achieved was the match I attended in Altach.



The New Saints FC (WAL) v HNK RIJEKA (CRO) 1-5 (0-1), 1-7 on aggregate
(Cieślewicz 69'; Matei 41', Gavranović 54', 79', Gorgon 61', Ristovski 64')

I like Rijeka (and their playmaker Alexander Gorgon, once Austrian champion
and CL participant with Austria Vienna), if only for their stadium and the
fact that they broke the Dinamo Zagreb monopoly. Did they have to be drawn
against Salzburg?



GÍ/LÍF Víkingur (FAR) v FH (ISL) 0-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Lennon 79' (pen), Valdimarsson 90'+1; Red Card: Olsen (Vík) 78')

Awww, so harsh. If I hadn't known beyond any doubt that those tough but
fair Northern Vikings would never ever resort to diving and play-acting,
I'd have interpreted the decisive scene a bit differently:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaO5wDZJl-0&t=22



FK Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) v FK PARTIZAN 0-0 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate

Partizan only played for the 0-0 while Podgorica at least had a couple of
opportunities to make this interesting.



--

19/07/2017


F91 Dudelange (LUX) v APOEL FC (CYP) 0-1 (0-1), 0-2 on aggregate
(De Camargo 40' (pen))



ROSENBORG BK (NOR) v Dundalk FC (IRL) 2-1 aet (1-1, 1-1), 3-2 on aggregate
(De Lanlay 43', Vilhjálmsson 98'; Gartland 12')

Dundalk took the lead from a corner kick, but Rosenborg subsequently
dominated, and only poor finishing (including Bendtner's) forced them to go
to extra time, in which the Icelander Matti Vilhjálmsson headed the
Norwegians into the next round. Still, it could have ended differently, but
in the 106th minute McGrath's volley from near the penalty spot only grazed
the crossbar.



FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) v MŠK Žilina (SLK) 1-2 (0-1), 4-3 on aggregate
(Verbič 48' (pen); Otubanjo 19', Kaša 57')

Which one did Jesper always prefer? The Copenhague, erm, Copenhagen teams
winning points for Denmark but still crashing out of the competition? So
bad luck there.
Late on the Slovakian champions missed some great chances to send the match
to extra time.



FK Kukësi (ALB) v FC SHERIFF (MDA) 2-1 (2-0), 2-2 on aggregate, Sheriff
through on away goals
(Emini 35', Pejić 45'+1; Bayala 56'; Red Card: de Nooijer (She) 77')

Drama, drama. After Sheriff's Curaçaoan international Jeremy de Nooijer
(shouldn't he have been at the Gold Cup?) had been dismissed with a second
yellow, ten minutes from time Pejić (most prolific striker ever in the
Albanian league) saw his penalty saved by fellow Croatian Mikulić, and the
Cookies hit the woodwork two more times, including in the 94th minute.



LUDOGORETS RAZGRAD (BUL) v FK Žalgiris (LTU) 4-1 (1-1), 5-3 on aggregate
(Natanael 41', Wanderson 55', Keșerü 56', 74'; Nyuiadzi 15')

Following a poor first half, the Bulgarian champions showed their mettle in
the second, sinking Žalgiris thanks to Wanderson's cross-turned-shot and
two nicely crafted goals by Claudiu Keșerü.



NK MARIBOR (SLO) v HŠK Zrinjski Mostar (BIH) 1-1 (0-0), 3-2 on aggregate
(Viler 27'; Todorović 7')

One bungled-in goal on either side was not enough for the Bosnians to
overcome the first-leg deficit.



RB SALZBURG (AUT) v Hibernians FC (MLT) 3-0 (2-0), 6-0 on aggregate
(Rzatkowski 11', Gulbrandsen 19', Haidara 85')

The worrying thing here, again, was how many chances they missed. Any such
profligacy against Rijeka will certainly be punished. Again.



LEGIA WARSZAWA (POL) v IFK Mariehamn (FIN) 6-0 (3-0), 9-0 on aggregate
(Guilherme 6', Kojola 37' (og), Kucharczyk 40', 54', Szymański 80',
Michalak 81')

Over two legs, that was a really poor performance by the Finnish champions,
but then they became champions exactly nine months ago, a lifetime in
football.



CELTIC FC (SCO) v Linfield FC (NIR) 4-0 (1-0), 6-0 on aggregate
(Sinclair 4', 54', Rogic 48', Armstrong 90'+3)



Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) v HAPOEL BE'ER-SHEVA FC (ISR) 2-3 (1-2), 3-5 on
aggregate
(Lanzafame 45'+2 (pen), Baráth 73'; Ogu 12', Nwakaeme 16', 84')



--

3rd CL Qualifying Round (July 25/26 and August 1/2)

(winners are guaranteed at least Europa League group stage)


Champions Route:

SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Astana (KAZ) v Legia Warszawa (POL)
NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL)
FC København (DEN) v FK Vardar (MKD)
Celtic FC (SCO) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)

Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)

FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP)

RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)

FK Partizan (SRB) v Olympiacos FC (GRE)


League Route:

FCSB (ROM) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)

OGC Nice (FRA) v AFC Ajax (NED)
FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v BSC Young Boys (SUI)
AEK FC (GRE) v PFC CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)



--

2nd EL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs


20/07/2017


LYNGBY BK (DEN) v ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) 2-1 (2-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Rygaard Jensen 19' (pen), Ørnskov 30'; Oršula 90')

Róbert Vittek missed an early penalty for the Slovakians, and that was
that. Lyngby also missed a spot kick in the second half, but by then the
tie was already decided.



FC DINAMO MINSK (BLR) v FK Rabotnički (MKD) 3-0 (1-0), 4-1 on aggregate
(Noyok 21', Galović 70', Saroka 84')



HJK (FIN) v FK SHKËNDIJA (MKD) 1-1 (1-0) 2-4 on aggregate
(Radeski 28' (og); Čeliković 71')

Helsinki played a good first half in which they also had a goal wrongly
disallowed for offside, but after the break the game was much more evenly
matched, and the Macedonian equaliser was deserved.



FK SŪDUVA (LTU) v FK Liepāja (LAT) 0-1 (0-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Keita 57')

The Latvians had their chances to send the Baltic derby into extra time.



FK TRAKAI (LTU) v IFK Norrköping (SWE) 2-1 aet (2-0, 2-1), 3-3 on
aggregate, Trakai win 5-3 on penalties
(Maksimov 11', 35'; Skrabb 86')

But anyway, two Lithuanian teams through to the 3rd Qualifying round is
unprecedented. I guess Norrköping keeper Mitov Nilsson will have been asked
some questions after the match regarding not the shoot-out, but Trakai's
second goal: https://gfycat.com/NeighboringFaithfulHoatzin



VPS (FIN) v BRØNDBY IF (DEN) 2-1 (2-1), 2-3 on aggregate
(Voutilainen 11', Sohna 40'; Meerits 16' (og); Red Card: Kliment (Brø) 51')

See FC København match above. Could have ended even worse for Brøndby if
Vaasa's Estonian keeper Meerits hadn't early on decided to push a corner kick
into his own net: https://gfycat.com/SneakyHoarseCrocodileskink
All Finnish teams have already been eliminated, the highest-ranked league
to suffer that fate.



FK MLADÁ BOLESLAV (CZE) v Shamrock Rovers FC (IRL) 2-0 (0-0), 5-2 on aggregate
(Chramosta 9', Mebrahtu 31')



FC Dinamo Brest (BLR) v SCR ALTACH (AUT) 0-3 (0-2), 1-4 on aggregate
(Ngamaleu 8', Nutz 44', Netzer 51')

Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu's return to Altach's squad after a special leave
following his participation with Cameroon in the Confed Cup made a hell of
a difference. Boom! https://gfycat.com/UnsightlyFairLangur



BNEI YEHUDA TEL AVIV FC FC (ISR) v AS Trenčín (SLK) 2-0 (0-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Tchibota 50', Ashkenazi 85')



FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) v Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) 3-1 (1-0), 7-3 on aggregate
(Wikheim 34', Nissen 71', Sørloth 81'; Rui Pedro 64')



ODDS BK (NOR) v FC Vaduz (LIE) 1-0 (0-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Mladenovic 82')

Too bad, no more European matches in that little corner of Europe for me to
watch. In the next round, Altach will have to play their home game in
Innsbruck.



SK Brann (NOR) v MFK RUŽOMBEROK (SLK) 0-2 (0-0), 1-2 on aggregate
(Qose 64', Kružliak 78' (pen))

A bit of a surprise. Albanian Kristi Qose headed in a corner kick, and a
stupid foul in the box by Brann's Dutch captain Wormgoor sealed the deal
for the Slovakians.



PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) v HNK HAJDUK SPLIT (CRO) 1-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Buş 69'; Ohandza 80', Erceg 86')

Hajduk had plenty of chances to score the away goal before Sergiu Buş
levelled the overall score, but Franck Ohandza's slightly deflected shot
still decided the tie in the Croatians' favour.



Zirä FK (AZE) v FC ASTRA GIURGIU (ROM) 0-0 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate



AEK LARNACA FC (CYP) v Cork City FC (IRL) 1-0 (1-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Florian 33')

After last year's optimism surrounding Dundalk's qualification to the
Europa League, disappointingly early elimination for all Irish teams.



AIK (SWE) v FK Željezničar (BIH) 2-0 (0-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Johansson 48', Goitom 85')

AIK were the better team but had to survive a major scare when a mistake by
their young keeper Linnér forced Jesper Nyholm to head away a shot on the
goal line.



FC Zaria Bălți (MDA) v APOLLON LIMASSOL (CYP) 1-2 (0-1), 1-5 on aggregate
(Focşa 47'; Alex 45' (pen), Schembri 80'; Red Card: Raţă (Zar) 75')



CS FOLA ESCH (LUX) v İnter Bakı PIK (AZE) 4-1 (2-0), 4-2 on aggregate
(Hadji 21', Saiti 32', Laterza 59', Sacras 90'+4; Fardjad-Azad 70')

Whoa! Some squeaky-bum time after the Azeri goal, but they decided it in
stoppage time on the break. Luxembourg is the lowest-ranked country to
still have a team alive.



Galatasaray SK (TUR) v ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) 1-1 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Çalık 69'; Nouri 60' (pen))

Igor Tudor's tenure as Galatasaray coach could be a short one. Coefficient-
wise, Gala must have been one of the biggest casualties ever in such an
early qualification round.
From a Swedish point of view, I guess you win some you lose some? I love
the fact that in the next round Östersund now play Fola Esch.



FC UTRECHT (NED) v Valletta FC (MLT) 3-1 (1-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Klaiber 17', Janssen 76', Labyad 83'; Santiago 88')

Sean Klaiber scored early on with a great volley*, but despite Utrecht
dominating the tie wasn't decided (and the Maltese had their chances to get
the all-important equaliser) until Willem Janssen headed in the second.

* https://gfycat.com/BleakJoyfulHypsilophodon



PFC BOTEV PLOVDIV (BUL) v Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) 4-0 (2-0), 5-1 on aggregate
(Dimov 10', Fernando Viana 32', Baltanov 47', Brisola 90';
Red Card: Heister (Bei) 76')

Convincing performance by the Rapid knock-offs. Fernando Viana spent a lot
of time in the Brazilian Série B before moving to Bulgaria, and scored a
beautiful volley in this game. Nothing beautiful about Botev's third:
https://gfycat.com/TinyCandidCockroach , but they all count.



FC Luzern (SUI) v NK OSIJEK (CRO) 2-1 (1-0), 2-3 on aggregate
(Juric 19', 62'; Ejupi 72')

Australian striker Tomi Juric headed in Luzern's first and beat Osijek
keeper Malenica from the edge of the D for the second, but a well-executed
fast break ended with three Osijek players alone in front of the Swiss net
and Muzafer Ejupi slotted in.



NK DOMŽALE (SLO) v Valur (ISL) 3-2 (1-2), 5-3 on aggregate
(Firer 25' (pen), Balkovec 69', Ibričić 71'; Lýðsson 3' (pen), Bøgild 43')

It appears that the Icelanders equalised the first-leg deficit too early.



AEL (CYP) v FC Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) 2-1 (0-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Fidelis 70', Lafrance 88'; Françoise 83'; Red Card: Karayer (Pro) 79')

Just after having been reduced to ten the Luxembourgers scored an
improbable equaliser and for a couple of minutes put some serious pressure
on the Cypriot defence, but Haiti international Kevin Lafrance decided
things on the break.

Cyprus is the lowest-ranked nation that still has all teams alive. They
also currently lead this year's coefficient race, ahead of Denmark, with
an impressive total of 11 wins and one draw in 12 matches.



LECH POZNAŃ (POL) v FK Haugesund (NOR) 2-0 (0-0), 4-3 on aggregate
(Jevtić 32', Nielsen 90'+3; Red Card: Abdi (Hau) 76')

Those late two goals against in the first leg proved to be costly for the
Norwegians. Fully deserved win for Lech, and Darko Jevtić's free-kick goal
was a beauty: https://gfycat.com/PlushSecondLangur



KF SKËNDERBEU KORÇË (ALB) v FC Kairat (KAZ) 2-0 (0-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Lilaj 50', Plaku 83'; Red Cards: Lilaj (Skë) 75', Arzo (Kai) 86')

Could well be that with this match we've seen the last of Arshavin on the
international stage. That makes me a bit sad.



FK Mladost Podgorica (MNE) v SK STURM GRAZ (AUT) 0-3 (0-2), 1-3 on aggregate
(Röcher 33', Zulechner 39', Alar 46')

After that atrocious first leg, Mladost this time around thankfully didn't
get away with parking the bus for 90 minutes, as Sturm played with just
enough urgency to make the difference. Also, somebody should really tell
UEFA that our striker's name is Philipp Zulechner, not Zuleckner. It's
already spreading.

Three 3-0 wins in two days, I take it.



FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) v FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ) 2-0 (1-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Donald 10', Srnić 77')

Already a subpar season for Kazakhstan.



Jagiellonia Białystok (POL) v QÄBÄLÄ FK (AZE) 0-2 (0-1), 1-3 on aggregate
(Gurbanov 18', Ozobić 89')

Following Qäbälä's early lead thanks to Ilgar Gurbanov's deflected shot,
Jagiellonia missed a ton of chances to score the overall equaliser, and
late on were duped by a quickly executed free-kick.



NK Široki Brijeg (BIH) v ABERDEEN FC (SCO) 0-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Stewart 72', Mackay-Steven 78')

Scottish and Bosnian teams meeting in Europe - with both leagues being
notorious underachievers, this was somewhat similar to that unstoppable
force encountering an immovable object. In the end. Aberdeen prevailed
thanks to two shots from tight angles, and all Bosnian teams are already
out of Europe.



NK Gorica (SLO) v PANONIOS FC (GRE) 2-3 (1-3), 2-5 on aggregate
(Kapić 15' (pen), 67' (pen); Masouras 11', Yesil 16', Lamprou 23')



VIDEOTON FC (HUN) v Nõmme Kalju FC (EST) 1-1 (1-0), 4-1 on aggregate
(Lazović 37'; Dmitrijev 50' (pen))



KR (ISL) v MACCABI TEL-AVIV FC (ISR) 0-2 (0-0), 1-5 on aggregate
(Atzily 57', Peretz 66')

No chance whatsoever for Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur to overcome the
first leg deficit. All Icelandic teams eliminated.



--

3rd EL Qualifying Round (July 27 and August 3)


PSV (NED) v NK Osijek (CRO)

FK Trakai (LTU) v FK Shkëndija (MKD)

FC Krasnodar (RUS) v Lyngby BK (DEN)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)

Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Qäbälä FK (AZE)

FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)
FK Austria Wien (AUT) v AEL (CYP)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Odds BK (NOR)

FC Dinamo București (ROM) v Athletic Club (ESP)
FC Olimpik Donetsk (UKR) v PAOK FC (GRE)

MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) v FC Midtjylland (DEN)

Östersunds FK (SWE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX)
FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA) v Videoton FC (HUN)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v Panionios FC (GRE)
FC Utrecht (NED) v Lech Poznań (POL)

CS Universitatea Craiova (ROM) v AC Milan (ITA)

Brøndby IF (DEN) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)

KAA Gent (BEL) v SCR Altach (AUT)
FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM) v FC Oleksandriya (UKR)

Everton FC (ENG) v MFK Ružomberok (SLK)

Aberdeen FC (SCO) v Apollon Limassol (CYP)

FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) v AC Sparta Praha (CZE)

PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) v CS Marítimo (POR)

FC Zenit (RUS) v Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR)

Olympique de Marseille (FRA) v KV Oostende (BEL)

SC Freiburg (GER) v NK Domžale (SLO)
AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR)

AIK (SWE) v SC Braga (POR)

[anders t]

Quoting Werner Pichler in rec.sport.soccer:

>FK VARDAR (MKD) v Malmö FF (SWE) 3-1 (0-1), 4-2 on aggregate

>(Grn?arov 56', Barseghyan 61', Nikolov 90'+1; Rosenberg 16' (pen))

>
>A header from a corner kick, a rebound after a penalty, and a last-minute
>counter-attack, as Malmö by all accounts went out with a whimper and not a
>bang. What's worse, with just one draw to their favour in two European
>seasons they're also destroying their own club coefficient which they
>worked so hard to build by reaching the Champions League twice.

People are angry with MFF for not buying better players for their money
(they've got loads of money by Swedish standards). Huge disappointment.

>FK TRAKAI (LTU) v IFK Norrköping (SWE) 2-1 aet (2-0, 2-1), 3-3 on
>aggregate, Trakai win 5-3 on penalties
>(Maksimov 11', 35'; Skrabb 86')

>But anyway, two Lithuanian teams through to the 3rd Qualifying round is
>unprecedented. I guess Norrköping keeper Mitov Nilsson will have been asked
>some questions after the match regarding not the shoot-out, but Trakai's
>second goal: https://gfycat.com/NeighboringFaithfulHoatzin

Big disappointment.

>AIK (SWE) v FK Željezni?ar (BIH) 2-0 (0-0), 2-0 on aggregate

>(Johansson 48', Goitom 85')

>AIK were the better team but had to survive a major scare when a mistake by
>their young keeper Linnér forced Jesper Nyholm to head away a shot on the
>goal line.

About what to be expected by AIK.

>Galatasaray SK (TUR) v ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) 1-1 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate

>(Çal?k 69'; Nouri 60' (pen))

>
>Igor Tudor's tenure as Galatasaray coach could be a short one. Coefficient-
>wise, Gala must have been one of the biggest casualties ever in such an
>early qualification round.
>From a Swedish point of view, I guess you win some you lose some? I love
>the fact that in the next round Östersund now play Fola Esch.

Not many years ago since BBK played against Östersunds FK. Newcomers in
Allsvenskan. Built on foreign players, many English. Not liked by everyone.

>3rd EL Qualifying Round (July 27 and August 3)

>Östersunds FK (SWE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX)

There's hope.

>AIK (SWE) v SC Braga (POR)

Bye bye AIK.


--
Manchester United FC - CHAMPIONS
Latest: England '13 (20th) Europa '17, UEFA '08, World '09

[Futbolmetrix]

On 7/21/2017 8:49 AM, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round

These reports are always fantastic, thanks for taking the time to do them.

>
> The New Saints FC (WAL) v HNK RIJEKA (CRO) 1-5 (0-1), 1-7 on aggregate
> (Cieślewicz 69'; Matei 41', Gavranović 54', 79', Gorgon 61', Ristovski 64')
>
> I like Rijeka (and their playmaker Alexander Gorgon, once Austrian champion
> and CL participant with Austria Vienna), if only for their stadium and the
> fact that they broke the Dinamo Zagreb monopoly. Did they have to be drawn
> against Salzburg?

Well, it had to be a team good enough to preserve the streak...

>
>
> GÍ/LÍF Víkingur (FAR) v FH (ISL) 0-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
> (Lennon 79' (pen), Valdimarsson 90'+1; Red Card: Olsen (Vík) 78')
>
> Awww, so harsh. If I hadn't known beyond any doubt that those tough but
> fair Northern Vikings would never ever resort to diving and play-acting,
> I'd have interpreted the decisive scene a bit differently:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaO5wDZJl-0&t=22

:-)

Bloody foreigners...

>
>
> ROSENBORG BK (NOR) v Dundalk FC (IRL) 2-1 aet (1-1, 1-1), 3-2 on aggregate
> (De Lanlay 43', Vilhjálmsson 98'; Gartland 12')
>
> Dundalk took the lead from a corner kick, but Rosenborg subsequently
> dominated, and only poor finishing (including Bendtner's)

Bendtner!!!

>
>
> FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) v MŠK Žilina (SLK) 1-2 (0-1), 4-3 on aggregate
> (Verbič 48' (pen); Otubanjo 19', Kaša 57')
>
> Which one did Jesper always prefer? The Copenhague, erm, Copenhagen teams
> winning points for Denmark but still crashing out of the competition? So
> bad luck there.

I thought Jesper was always an FCK fan and hated Brondby (ducks...)

>
> FK Kukësi (ALB) v FC SHERIFF (MDA) 2-1 (2-0), 2-2 on aggregate, Sheriff
> through on away goals
> (Emini 35', Pejić 45'+1; Bayala 56'; Red Card: de Nooijer (She) 77')
>
> Drama, drama. After Sheriff's Curaçaoan international Jeremy de Nooijer
> (shouldn't he have been at the Gold Cup?) had been dismissed with a second
> yellow, ten minutes from time Pejić (most prolific striker ever in the
> Albanian league) saw his penalty saved by fellow Croatian Mikulić, and the
> Cookies hit the woodwork two more times, including in the 94th minute.

Not tough enough Cookies...

> RB SALZBURG (AUT) v Hibernians FC (MLT) 3-0 (2-0), 6-0 on aggregate
> (Rzatkowski 11', Gulbrandsen 19', Haidara 85')
>
> The worrying thing here, again, was how many chances they missed. Any such
> profligacy against Rijeka will certainly be punished. Again.

Come to think it, that's unlikely. With the power of Red Bull behind
them, this time Salzburg will certainly make the group stages!

>
> LEGIA WARSZAWA (POL) v IFK Mariehamn (FIN) 6-0 (3-0), 9-0 on aggregate
> (Guilherme 6', Kojola 37' (og), Kucharczyk 40', 54', Szymański 80',
> Michalak 81')
>
> Over two legs, that was a really poor performance by the Finnish champions,
> but then they became champions exactly nine months ago, a lifetime in
> football.

Should have sent Jaro!

>
> Budapest Honvéd FC (HUN) v HAPOEL BE'ER-SHEVA FC (ISR) 2-3 (1-2), 3-5 on
> aggregate
> (Lanzafame 45'+2 (pen), Baráth 73'; Ogu 12', Nwakaeme 16', 84')

More Juve rejects!

> --
>
> 3rd CL Qualifying Round (July 25/26 and August 1/2)
> (winners are guaranteed at least Europa League group stage)
>
>
> Champions Route:
>
> SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
> FC Astana (KAZ) v Legia Warszawa (POL)
> NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL)
> FC København (DEN) v FK Vardar (MKD)
> Celtic FC (SCO) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)
>
> Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)

Given the demolition of Beitar by another Bulgarian team in the EL, this
doesn't look too promising for the Israeli champions.

> FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP)
> RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)
> FK Partizan (SRB) v Olympiacos FC (GRE)

Are the pairings here geography-based?

> Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)

Hm... what happened in the Turkish league last year?

>
> See FC København match above. Could have ended even worse for Brøndby if
> Vaasa's Estonian keeper Meerits hadn't early on decided to push a corner kick
> into his own net: https://gfycat.com/SneakyHoarseCrocodileskink
> All Finnish teams have already been eliminated, the highest-ranked league
> to suffer that fate.

Jaro, Jaro!!!

>
>
> FC Dinamo Brest (BLR) v SCR ALTACH (AUT) 0-3 (0-2), 1-4 on aggregate
> (Ngamaleu 8', Nutz 44', Netzer 51')
>
> Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu's return to Altach's squad after a special leave
> following his participation with Cameroon in the Confed Cup made a hell of
> a difference. Boom!https://gfycat.com/UnsightlyFairLangur

Nice!

> Galatasaray SK (TUR) v ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) 1-1 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
> (Çalık 69'; Nouri 60' (pen))
>
> Igor Tudor's

More Juventini! Don't worry Igpr, we will always remember you for this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDFERs2oYoI

>
> PFC BOTEV PLOVDIV (BUL) v Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) 4-0 (2-0), 5-1 on aggregate
> (Dimov 10', Fernando Viana 32', Baltanov 47', Brisola 90';
> Red Card: Heister (Bei) 76')

Relative to other Israeli teams, Beitar just never seems to click on the
European stage. Oh well, good riddance to their nasty, racist fans.

>
> FC Luzern (SUI) v NK OSIJEK (CRO) 2-1 (1-0), 2-3 on aggregate
> (Juric 19', 62'; Ejupi 72')
>

More Croatian teams beating those from Alpine countries...

>
> LECH POZNAŃ (POL) v FK Haugesund (NOR) 2-0 (0-0), 4-3 on aggregate
> (Jevtić 32', Nielsen 90'+3; Red Card: Abdi (Hau) 76')
>
> Those late two goals against in the first leg proved to be costly for the
> Norwegians. Fully deserved win for Lech, and Darko Jevtić's free-kick goal
> was a beauty: https://gfycat.com/PlushSecondLangur

Somewhere, mythical RSS troll "Lech" is rejoicing.

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-07-21, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) v MŠK Žilina (SLK) 1-2 (0-1), 4-3 on aggregate
> (Verbič 48' (pen); Otubanjo 19', Kaša 57')
>
> Which one did Jesper always prefer? The Copenhague, erm, Copenhagen teams
> winning points for Denmark but still crashing out of the competition? So
> bad luck there.

Worst possible result. 100% record gone.

> LYNGBY BK (DEN) v ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SLK) 2-1 (2-0), 3-1 on aggregate
> (Rygaard Jensen 19' (pen), Ørnskov 30'; Oršula 90')

It's like Celtic dropping points and St. Johnstone going 100%.

> VPS (FIN) v BRØNDBY IF (DEN) 2-1 (2-1), 2-3 on aggregate
> (Voutilainen 11', Sohna 40'; Meerits 16' (og); Red Card: Kliment (Brø) 51')

Useless.

> FC Dinamo Brest (BLR) v SCR ALTACH (AUT) 0-3 (0-2), 1-4 on aggregate
> (Ngamaleu 8', Nutz 44', Netzer 51')
>
> Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu's return to Altach's squad after a special leave
> following his participation with Cameroon in the Confed Cup made a hell of
> a difference. Boom! https://gfycat.com/UnsightlyFairLangur

The ball was airborne for a long time. Shouldn't the keeper have
done better.

> FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) v Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) 3-1 (1-0), 7-3 on aggregate
> (Wikheim 34', Nissen 71', Sørloth 81'; Rui Pedro 64')

Miss of the season candidate by Onuachu shortly before the first goal.

[Bruce D. Scott]

Futbolmetrix <futbol...@yahoo.com> wrote:

|> I thought Jesper was always an FCK fan and hated Brondby (ducks...)

Better duck!

|> Somewhere, mythical RSS troll "Lech" is rejoicing.

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 21 July 2017 23:40:13 UTC+2, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On 7/21/2017 8:49 AM, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >
> > Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round
>
> These reports are always fantastic, thanks for taking the time to do them.

Thanks!

> > RB SALZBURG (AUT) v Hibernians FC (MLT) 3-0 (2-0), 6-0 on aggregate
> > (Rzatkowski 11', Gulbrandsen 19', Haidara 85')
> >
> > The worrying thing here, again, was how many chances they missed. Any such
> > profligacy against Rijeka will certainly be punished. Again.
>
> Come to think it, that's unlikely. With the power of Red Bull behind
> them, this time Salzburg will certainly make the group stages!

If you use the 'The Football Gods are constantly trolling us' approach, it
makes perfect sense that RB Salzburg can only reach the CL proper when Leipzig
are already there. Just wait until they're drawn into the same group (even
though it would take an improbable sequence of events as currently they're both
in Pot 4).

>
> > Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR)
>
> Hm... what happened in the Turkish league last year?

It's now four Istanbul teams at the top.

Some interesting names on that team: Emre (going on 37) is their captain,
Adebayor arrived during the winter break, and they've signed among others
Clichy, Inler, Elia and Erdinc in the summer.


Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

3rd CL Qualifying Round, 1st legs

--

25/07/2017

--

Champions Route:


Qarabağ FK (AZE) v FC Sheriff (MDA) 0-0 (0-0)



SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR) 1-0 (1-0)
(Škoda 20' (pen); Red Card: Yablonski (BATE) 19')

The penalty foul was clear as day, but the red card dished out for it to
Evgeni Yablonski was quite harsh. Still, BATE escaped from Prague with only
a slim deficit, and most likely not knowing how they managed to do that.
Slavia's misses were incredible (including a double post):

https://gfycat.com/HomelyFirmClumber
https://gfycat.com/RespectfulInnocentAfricanhornbill
https://gfycat.com/LegalCaringArcticwolf
https://gfycat.com/GroundedSoggyIberiannase

I would put my money on BATE in the return leg, without doubt the Football
Gods are with them.

Of Slavia's notable new acquisitions, Danny and Rotan (Europa League final
with Dnipropetrovsk) started, while Halil Altıntop remained on the bench.



FK Vardar (MKD) v FC København (DEN) 1-0 (0-0)
(Jonathan Balotelli 65')

Another Scandinavian scalp for the Macedonians. On paper FCK replaced their
transfer losses player by player, but of course these things always need
time to gel, and so they do look weaker than last season.
The decisive moment of the game was a mishit clearance that fell at the
feet of Jonathan Boareto dos Reis called Balotelli, a former Sport Recife
(where he barely got a game) and Audax-RJ striker, who volleyed in. In the
92nd minute the Danes could have scored the important equaliser, but with
the goal at his mercy Nicolaj Thomsen kicked fresh air.



FK Partizan (SRB) v Olympiacos FC (GRE) 1-3 (1-1)
(Tawamba 10'; Ben Nabouhane 6', 56', Emenike 90'+1)

I have to admit that I don't know the first thing about the Comoros
national team, but their striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane (a native of
Mayotte) was man of the match with two nice goals. In an otherwise mostly
even game, greater experience told in the end as the Greek champions all
but booked their passage to the next round in stoppage time when Emmanuel
Emenike on the break punished Partizan for pushing for the equaliser.



--

League Route:


AEK FC (GRE) v PFC CSKA Moskva 0-2 (0-1)
(Dzagoev 45'+1, Wernbloom 56')

Two goals from corner kicks pretty much already sealed the deal.



FCSB (ROM) v FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) 2-2 (1-1)
(Budescu 37', Teixeira 61'; Krmenčik 23', Kopic 53')

The team formerly known as Steaua came back twice to keep their chances
alive. Nice diving header by former WBA winger Filipe Teixeira to even the
score.



--

26/07/2017

--

Champions Route:


FC Astana (KAZ) v Legia Warszawa (POL) 3-1 (2-0)
(Kabananga 36', Maevski 45', Twumasi 90'+4; Sadiku 78')

If you've just managed to score the hugely important away goal after having
been on the back foot for most of the match, what's the worst thing you
could do? Run into a counter-attack in stoppage time, that's what.



RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) 1-1 (0-1)
(Hwang 49'; Gavranović 30')

A couple days ago it was decided to kick off this game two hours earlier
than originally planned, in order not to clash with our ladies' match
against Iceland in Rotterdam. To give precedence to women's football like
that has been a first in Austria.

In the match, our worst fears regarding Salzburg's tenth consecutive
failure to qualify for the Champions League were confirmed in the first
half when Rijeka - a noticeably well-attuned team - ran rings around a
paralyzed and nervous Red Bull side, got the away goal and could have
scored at least one more; but after the break Salzburg were noticeably
improved, if still far from perfect, and suddenly Rijeka looked pretty
ordinary. Salzburg could even have scored the winner, but Munas Dabbur, who
has knocked them in at will in Switzerland but becomes completely
snakebitten whenever he puts on a Red Bull jersey, missed the empty net
from six metres out: https://gfycat.com/PotableDownrightCamel

Tie still wide open, even though Rijeka haven't lost at home in ages.



Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) v Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) 2-0 (1-0)
(Nwakaeme 19', Ohana 79')

Convincing win for the Israeli champions, and two good goals.



FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v APOEL FC (CYP) 1-0 (0-0)
(Ganea 75'; Red Card: Ţucudean (Con) 90'+3)

Dominance by Hagi's Kids, but they might come to regret that they only
managed to score once, thanks to Ganea's excellent free-kick.



NK Maribor (SLO) v FH (ISL) 1-0 (0-0)
(Tavares 54')

Probably the worst pairing in this round. Maribor's Brazilian captain
Marcos Tavares celebrated his 70th European match with the club by scoring
the winning header.



Celtic FC (SCO) v Rosenborg BK (NOR) 0-0 (0-0)

I'm pretty sure the Norwegians would have gladly accepted this result
before the match, but in retrospect Celtic had probably been there for the
taking. The longer the match went, the better Rosenborg's chances became,
but Bendtner and De Lanlay missed the best opportunities.



--

League Route:


FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v BSC Young Boys (SUI) 3-1 (2-0)
(Yarmolenko 15', Mbokani 34', Garmash 90'+3; Fassnacht 90'+1)

The Swiss will kick themselves, as a defensive lapse on a long ball in
stoppage time allowed Denys Garmash to score Dynamo's all-important third.
Still, last year Young Boys eliminated Shakhtar Donetsk in the same round
thanks to a 2-0 home win, so I wouldn't totally count them out just yet.



OGC Nice (FRA) v AFC Ajax (NED) 1-1 (1-0)
(Balotelli 32'; Van de Beek 49')

So that other Balotelli guy scored, too (his first CL goal since September
2014), but a mistake by Nice goalkeeper Cardinale that allowed Donny van de
Beek to lob into the empty net might well prove crucial in the end.



Club Brugge KV (BEL) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR) 3-3 (2-0)
(Bonaventure 6', Denswil 16', 79'; Mossoró 59', 74', Elia 62')

Brugge left big gaps in their defence that the Turks managed to exploit in
the second half, but thanks to two free-kick goals they will at least go to
Istanbul with a fighting chance.



--

3rd EL Qualifying Round, 1st legs


27/07/2017


FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB) 2-1 (1-0)
(Chramosta 42', Jánoš 87'; Čmovš 86' (og))

Pavel Čmovš was doubly unlucky as not only did Latifi's shot hit him full
on the face, but he also thereby deflected it into his own net. A lovely
back-heel flick by Adam Jánoš a minute later still gave the Czechs a fully
deserved win.



FC Olimpik Donetsk (UKR) v PAOK FC (GRE) 1-1 (0-0)
(Bilenkyi 49'; Henrique 59')



FK Trakai (LTU) v FK Shkëndija (MKD) 2-1 (1-1)
(Maksimov 2', 52'; Stênio Junior 39'; Red Cards: Stênio Junior (Shk) 57',
Cuculi (Shk) 62')

This Maksim Maksimov guy has now scored seven goals in five Europa League
qualifiers. Trakai probably should have done better against nine
Macedonians, but a win's a win, and teams from Lithuania usually don't get
to celebrate many of those...



FK Sūduva (LTU) v FC Sion (SUI) 3-0 (2-0)
(Ricardo 3' (og), Janušauskas 9', Laukžemis 90'+1)

Or do they! Incredibly enough, this was the biggest winning margin of the
night. I've been following these early rounds for quite a long time now,
but I struggle to remember anything like this resurgence out of nowhere of
the Lithuanian clubs. On the other side, heads will roll in Valais, Sion's
irascible owner Constantin will make sure of it.



Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v Panionios FC (GRE) 1-0 (0-0)
(Kjartansson 48')



AIK (SWE) v SC Braga (POR) 1-1 (1-1)
(Sundgren 18' (pen); Raúl Silva 10')

AIK had their chances to get the winner in the second half.



AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR) 2-0 (1-0)
(Tete 42', Hevel 70')

Larnaca started with five Spaniards (and two more were subbed in), and
Alberto Sansimena Chamorro called Tete won the prize for cheekiest goal of
the day: https://gfycat.com/GiantDarlingAztecant
As I've been harping on the goalkeeping skills at the Women's Euro, the
Cypriots' second was just as bad: https://gfycat.com/SpeedyGleamingLcont



FC Utrecht (NED) v Lech Poznań (POL) 0-0 (0-0)



Östersunds FK (SWE) v CS Fola Esch (LUX) 1-0 (0-0)
(Bachirou 50'; Red Card: Kirch (Fol) 78')



SK Sturm Graz (AUT) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) 1-2 (1-2)
(Hierländer 10'; Maresic 29' (og), Neustädter 35')

Oh well. Despite a bright start and a fine goal by Stefan Hierländer who
rifled in a cut-back, an unlucky own goal by 17-year-old centre-back Dario
Maresic and a header from a corner kick were enough for Fenerbahçe to make
their greater individual class (especially Valbuena's) count. Sturm put in a
lot of effort, and late on they had some good chances to get the equaliser,
but no such luck. It wouldn't have changed much regarding the return leg,
but would at least have avoided the eighth consecutive home defeat in
Europe, that rankles.



FC Krasnodar (RUS) v Lyngby BK (DEN) 2-1 (0-0)
(Claesson 67', Suleymanov 90'+3; Kjær 64')

Lyngby scored from a goalmouth scramble, but the Russians immediately hit
back when the Danish keeper Andersen couldn't hold onto former Red Bull
Salzburg winger Wanderson's shot (the funny thing here is that before
signing Salzburg's Wanderson Krasnodar had let go of their own Wanderson -
I wonder if they just re-used the jerseys) and Claessen tapped in. The
Danes then fell to a last-minute volley after they had failed to clear a
corner kick.



PSV (NED) v NK Osijek (CRO) 0-1 (0-0)
(Barišić 57' (pen))

Another major surprise. In typical early-season fashion PSV woke up to the
danger against a well-prepared Croatian side only when it was already too
late. It appears as if the foul that led to Osijek's penalty happened just
outside the box though.



Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR) v FC Zenit (RUS) 0-2 (0-0)
(Criscito 59', Kokorin 90')



PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) v CS Marítimo (POR) 0-0 (0-0)



FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM) v FC Oleksandriya (UKR) 0-0 (0-0)
(Red Card: Basov (Ole) 78')



FC Dinamo București (ROM) v Athletic Club (ESP) 1-1 (0-1)
(Rivaldinho 54'; Laporte 21')

22-year-old Rivaldinho is indeed the son of Rivaldo (who watched from the
stands of the Arena Națională in Bucharest), and daddy could be proud:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/890647919572942849



Brøndby IF (DEN) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) 0-0 (0-0)
(Red Card: Arajuuri (Brø) 90'+3)



CS Universitatea Craiova (ROM) v AC Milan (ITA) 0-1 (0-1)
(Rodríguez 44')

Milan's return to Europe after three-and-a-half years wasn't exactly
dazzling, but Ricardo Rodríguez's in-swinging free-kick that eluded friend
and foe alike on its way to the back of the net was enough to secure the
away win.



MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) v FC Midtjylland (DEN) 3-2 (2-2)
(Marcus Vinícius 31', 39' (pen), Siemaszko 90'+2; Hassan 33',
Dal Hende 36')

Before the draw it was generally agreed that the Polish cup winners, who
about one-and-a-half months ago had escaped relegation to the 2nd division
only on the last matchday, were one of the teams to get, so this counts as
major surprise as well.



FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) v AC Sparta Praha (CZE) 2-0 (1-0)
(Boakye 13', Kanga 65')

As does this, in my opinion. The surprising thing is how dominant the
Serbians were. Not a good start for Stramaccioni and Janko at their new
club.



KAA Gent (BEL) v SCR Altach (AUT) 1-1 (0-1)
(Coulibaly 76'; Ngwat-Mahop 5')

Altach really continue to surprise.



FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA) v Videoton FC (HUN) 2-1 (2-1)
(Sankharé 18', 33'; Šćepović 23')

Pretty good result for the Hungarians thanks to Šćepović's tap-in on the
break.



Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Qäbälä FK (AZE) 1-0 (1-0)
(Molins 37' (pen))

Despite the Greeks dominating this match the Azeri are still in with a
chance in the return leg, and as Qäbälä already managed to eliminate
Panathinaikos two years ago (one round later), they theoretically know how
to do it.



Olympique de Marseille (FRA) v KV Oostende (BEL) 4-2 (3-1)
(Germain 2', 57', 82', Sanson 32'; Siani 26' (pen), Musona 69')

Zimbabwe international Knowledge Musona's lob was the best goal of the
game: https://gfycat.com/FrenchZealousUnfortunate
but OM striker Valère Germain was man of the match with three goals and one
assist.



Aberdeen FC (SCO) v Apollon Limassol (CYP) 2-1 (1-0)
(Christie 4', Shinnie 78'; Jander 60'; Red Card: Sachetti (Apo) 71')



GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Odds BK (NOR) 2-1 (2-1)
(Hodžić 31', Fernandes 41'; Mladenovic 20')

Croatian-born Stefan Mladenovic gave the team from Skien the lead on the
break, but two powerful headers turned the match around even before half-
time.



SC Freiburg (GER) v NK Domžale (SLO) 1-0 (1-0)
(Petersen 20')

Petersen also missed a penalty for Freiburg, but generally the Slovenians
held their own very well.



Everton FC (ENG) v MFK Ružomberok (SLK) 1-0 (0-0)
(Baines 65')

Just after Maslo had only hit the crossbar for Ružomberok, Baines'
deflected shot hobbled past a helpless Macík in the Slovakian net. Still,
a deserved win for Everton on occasion of Rooney's return, they were much
better at this stage of the competition than West Ham in the last couple
of seasons.



FK Austria Wien (AUT) v AEL (CYP) 0-0 (0-0)

The worst performance of all our European starters.



--

Ciao,
Werner

[Bruce D. Scott]

Thanks a lot, the misses were the best part!

[Futbolmetrix]

On 7/27/2017 9:40 PM, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>
> RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) 1-1 (0-1)
> (Hwang 49'; Gavranović 30')
> >

> In the match, our worst fears regarding Salzburg's tenth consecutive
> failure to qualify

Ouch.

And to make matters worse, your ladies' Cinderella ride will be over
tomorrow. A bad two-days for Austrian football.

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On Friday, 21 July 2017 14:49:59 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> LECH POZNAŃ (POL) v FK Haugesund (NOR) 2-0 (0-0), 4-3 on aggregate
> (Jevtić 32', Nielsen 90'+3; Red Card: Abdi (Hau) 76')

The middle names strike again. The 2-0 was scored by Nicki Bille Nielsen
(a Bendtner light), but many places assigned it to his teammate Lasse Nielsen,
as usually goes by either his full name or just Bille. Never by Nielsen alone.

These matches also featured a brother duel, with the Gytkjærs, Frederik and
Christian, appearing for Haugesund and Lech. I liked how bold.dk published
two preview articles within an hour of each other with the headlines
"Gytkjær: It will be odd against Frederik" and "Gytkjær: It will be odd
against Christian".

[Werner Pichler]

On Wednesday, 2 August 2017 23:42:56 UTC+2, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On 7/27/2017 9:40 PM, Werner Pichler wrote:
> >
> >
> > RB Salzburg (AUT) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) 1-1 (0-1)
> > (Hwang 49'; Gavranović 30')
> > >
> > In the match, our worst fears regarding Salzburg's tenth consecutive
> > failure to qualify
>
> Ouch.

What can you do, if this is disallowed for offside:
https://www.24sata.hr/media/img/ba/0e/5aa3600d6f9fa576738e.jpeg

> And to make matters worse, your ladies' Cinderella ride will be over
> tomorrow. A bad two-days for Austrian football.

Much appreciated.


Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On Wednesday, 2 August 2017 23:42:56 UTC+2, Futbolmetrix wrote:

Bad week - the exit will not be before the weekend.

[Werner Pichler]

On Sunday, 16 July 2017 19:48:24 UTC+2, Jesper Lauridsen wrote:
>

> > SC Freiburg (GER) v Valur (ISL)/NK Domžale (SLO)
>
> Soft start for Freiburg.

Or not...


Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

The Bundesliga coefficient will take a beating this season. All teams
are either lacklustre, inexperienced or crap.

[Werner Pichler]

The seventh Bundesliga team failing already in the Europa League qualifiers is
something of a tradition though (like Serie A not managing to bring their
fourth team into the Champions League) - Stuttgart, Mainz (twice) and Hertha
have all done it in recent years.

Ciao,
Werner

[Murat Bey]

Champions League Playoff Draw

Champions Route

Qarabag vs Kobenhavn
APOEL vs Slavia Praha
Olympiakos vs Rijeka
Celtic vs Astana
Hapoel vs Maribor


League Route

Istanbul Medipol Başakşehir vs Sevilla
Napoli vs Nice
Liverpool vs Hoffenheim
Young Boys vs CSKA
Sporting vs Steaua Bucuresti

[Bruce D. Scott]

Murat Bey <gerika...@gmail.com> wrote:

|> Liverpool vs Hoffenheim

Now we all see how important that last two weeks in the BLiga (and goal
difference) was.

[Jesper Lauridsen]

Though those are the only 4 in the last 10 seasons. But it's getting more
and more common.

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On Friday, 4 August 2017 12:30:09 UTC+2, Bruce D. Scott wrote:
> Murat Bey <gerika...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> |> Liverpool vs Hoffenheim
>
> Now we all see how important that last two weeks in the BLiga (and goal
> difference) was.

Or week 32, BVB - Hoff. As kicker wrote in their referee assesment:
Dr. Felix Brych (München) Note 6
eröffnete das Spiel mit gravierenden Fehlentscheidungen gegen Hoffenheim. So übersah er Reus' Abseitsposition vor dem 1:0 (4.) und ignorierte Reus' Handspiel vor dem Handelfmeter (13.), zudem war auch das Handspiel von Kaderabek nicht strafwürdig. Auch in der Folge weiter mit teils groben Fehlern, u.a. pfiff er Kramaric wegen einer vermeintlichen Abseitsposition zu Unrecht zurück (45.).
(Translation: We wuz robbed)

Note that "Note 6" is a grade used only for the worst of the worst
performances (e.g. HSV defenders away against Bayern).

As I mentioned at the time, in a why it was lucky for Hoff that BVB
managed to turn their match against Werder around, otherwise Hoff could
have made the group stage by beating *Augsburg* at *home* (which they
didn't) rather than facing *Liverpool* over two legs.

[The Doctor]

In article <c76a3525-aab5-4b8c...@googlegroups.com>,

Murat Bey <gerika...@gmail.com> wrote:
>Champions League Playoff Draw
>
>Champions Route
>
>Qarabag vs Kobenhavn

Kobenhavn

>APOEL vs Slavia Praha

Praha

>Olympiakos vs Rijeka

Olym

>Celtic vs Astana

Celtic

>Hapoel vs Maribor
>

Hapoe

>
>League Route
>
>Istanbul Medipol Başakşehir vs Sevilla

Sevilla

>Napoli vs Nice

Nice

>Liverpool vs Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim

>Young Boys vs CSKA

YB

>Sporting vs Steaua Bucuresti

Sporting

--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@@nl2k.ab.ca Ici doctor@@nl2k.ab.ca
Yahweh, Queen & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
https://www.empire.kred/ROOTNK?t=94a1f39b Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism
Talk Sense to a fool and he calls you foolish - Euripides

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 28 July 2017 03:40:48 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
>


Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round


--

3rd CL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs

--

01/08/2017


--

Champions Route:


FC Sheriff (MDA) v QARABAǦ FK (AZE) 1-2 (0-1), 1-2 on aggregate
(Badibanga 90'+4 (pen); Ndlovu 45'+3, Míchel 86')

Qarabağ reach their fourth consecutive European group phase. It used to be
Sheriff Tiraspol who were able to do that, but back then only twice in a
row. Azerbaijan is clearly the better Moldova.



--

02/08/2017


--

Champions Route:


APOEL FC (CYP) v FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) 4-0 aet (0-0, 1-0), 4-1 on
aggregate
(Carlão 54', Merkis 93', De camargo 94', Efrem 105'+1)

Carlão headed in a corner kick to send the match to extra time, and in
Cypriot heat the young Romanians wilted.
2-0 aka How Not to Defend: https://gfycat.com/FragrantNimbleAxolotl



FC BATE Borisov (BLR) v SK SLAVIA PRAHA (CZE) 2-1 (1-1), 2-2 on aggregate,
Slavia through on away goals
(Signevich 6', Stasevich 46'; Škoda 44')

Slavia had missed all those chances in the first leg, so it was only
logical that they would concede a slapstick goal early on in the return
match: https://gfycat.com/NecessaryDapperIchidna
Nevertheless, Milan Škoda's header just before the break proved decisive,
as despite BATE scoring again just 30 seconds after the re-start, Slavia
hung on until the final whistle, with BATE missing several good
opportunities. So maybe the Football Gods hadn't been with them after all,
but were just evil teases.



FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) v FK Vardar (MKD) 4-1 (2-1), 4-2 on aggregate
(Greguš 2', Barseghyan 26' (og), Santander 75', Sotiriou 88' (pen);
Nikolov 19'; Red Card: Greguš (FCK) 71')

FCK danced on thin ice, with Slovakian Ján Greguš scoring a nice volley but
also collecting the third Red Card in his last 10 European matches for FCK
(interestingly enough he's never been sent off for them domestically). 11
against 10 though FCK scored the decisive goal when Federico Santander
nodded in Bengtsson's pin-point cross.



PFC Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) v HAPOEL BE'ER-SHEVA FC (ISR) 3-1 (2-0), 3-3
on aggregate, Be'er-Sheva through on away goals
(Wanderson 9', 33', Marcelinho 56'; Ghadir 61'; Red Cards: Ohana (Hap) 88',
Marcelinho (Lud) 90'+6)

For a long time it seemed as if Ludogorets' Brazilian cavalry would come
once again to the rescue, as they dominated the first half, but in the end
a weird looping deflection* spelled disaster for the Bulgarian champions.
The tie was on the edge until the very last minute, with Be'er-Sheva also
missing a penalty and both sides ending the match in 10.

* https://gfycat.com/VigilantDeepCygnet



FH (ISL) v NK MARIBOR (SLO) 0-1 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate
(Tavares 90'+2)

The Icelandic champions never really threatened in either leg.



OLYMPIACOS FC (GRE) v FK Partizan (SRB) 2-2 (1-1), 5-3 on aggregate
(Carcela-González 22', Fortounis 51'; Soumah 33', Đurđević 85')

Some creative goalkeeping in this one:
1-0 https://gfycat.com/DazzlingDisgustingBushsqueaker
1-1 https://gfycat.com/VengefulNewCurlew



HNK RIJEKA (CRO) v RB Salzburg (AUT) 0-0 (0-0), 1-1 on aggregate, Rijeka
through on away goals

The usual, 10th elimination in a row - not that surprising actually, as
this Red Bull side is noticeably weaker than in last years and Rijeka are a
good team. But Salzburg are also still as cursed as ever - as I wrote
before, bowing out because of this
https://www.24sata.hr/media/img/ba/0e/5aa3600d6f9fa576738e.jpeg
having been whistled back for offside, that was something new.



Rosenborg BK (NOR) v CELTIC FC (SCO) 0-1 (0-0), 0-1 on aggregate
(Forrest 69')

Much better performance by Celtic than in the first leg, and deserved
qualification.



Legia Warszawa (POL) v FC ASTANA (KAZ) 1-0 (0-0), 2-3 on aggregate
(Czerwiński 76')

So that daft goal that Legia conceded in stoppage time of the first leg
was decisive.



--

League Route:


PFC CSKA MOSKVA (RUS) v AEK FC (GRE) 1-0 (0-0), 3-0 on aggregate
(Natkho 74')

Again a goal after a corner, even if not the most elegant one:
https://gfycat.com/TenseWebbedCougar



İSTANBUL BAŞAKŞEHIR FK (TUR) v Club Brugge KV (BEL) 2-0 (2-0), 5-3 on
aggregate
(Adebayor 7', Višća 34')

Başakşehir's veterans made short work of Brugge.



BSC YOUNG BOYS (SUI) v FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) 2-0 (1-0), 3-3 on aggregate,
Young Boys through on away goals
(Hoarau 13' (pen), Lotomba 90')

After having eliminated Dynamo's rivals Shakhtar at the same stage and
with the same result last year, Young Boys repeated their feat thanks to
Dynamo's inexplicably poor performance and also thanks to the Ukrainian
goalkeeper Koval who in the last minute of the match let Lotomba's header
slip through his palms: https://gfycat.com/UnsteadyJoyousBadger



FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) v FCSB (ROM) 1-4 (0-1), 3-6 on aggregate
(Krmenčik 64'; Balasa 27', Teixeira 71', Tănase 76', Alibec 79' (pen);
Red Card: Krmenčik (Vik) 89')

A nice free-kick by Balasa opened the scoring. Viktoria equalised, as usual
from a cross, and would have qualified with that result, but a blocked shot
that fell at the feet of Filipe Teixeira, Florin Tănase's angled shot and
Denis Alibec's penalty sent not-allowed-to-be-called-Steaua convincingly
through.



AFC Ajax (NED) v OGC NICE (FRA) 2-2 (0-1), 3-3 on aggregate, Nice through
on away goals
(Van de Beek 26', Sánchez 57'; Souquet 3', Marcel 79')

Certainly the best match of the round. A quick break allowed Arnaud Souquet
to score the opener with a simple tap-in. Ajax equalised with their first
good opportunity, Donny van de Beek showing great control to collect
Ziyech's assist. Last year's EL finalists then went in front thanks to
another finely worked move at the end of which Davinson Sánchez tapped in
Viergever's header, and Dolberg soon after also hit the post for Ajax, but
a genius back-heel assist by Jean Seri allowed Vincent Marcel to slot in
and send Favre's side into the playoff.



--

Draw for CL Playoffs (August 15/16 and 22/23)


Champions Route:


Qarabağ FK (AZE) v FC København (DEN)
APOEL FC (CYP) v SK Slavia Praha (CZE)
Olympiacos FC (GRE) v HNK Rijeka (CRO)
Celtic FC (SCO) v FC Astana (KAZ)
Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC (ISR) v NK Maribor (SLO)


League Route:

İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR) v Sevilla CF (ESP)
BSC Young Boys (SUI) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
SSC Napoli (ITA) v OGC Nice (FRA)
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (GER) v Liverpool FC (ENG)
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FCSB (ROM)



--

3rd EL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs


--

02/08/2017


FC Sion (SUI) v FK SŪDUVA (LTU) 1-1 (0-0), 1-4 on aggregate
(Konaté 55'; Vėževičius 80')

410 (!) attendance in Geneva as Sion for a little while seemed at least
willing to try and mount a comeback, but Robertas Vėževičius' nice solo
run put an end to that. Great success for Lithuanian club football, the
first time one of their teams survives three qualification rounds.



AEL (CYP) v FK AUSTRIA WIEN (AUT) 1-2 (0-1), 1-2 on aggregate
(Aldair 60'; Holzhauser 34' (pen), Pires 90'; Red Card: Airosa (AEL) 27')

God what an awful match. Two terrible teams, a ridiculous penalty*, 15
minutes interruption because of angry Cypriots throwing coffee cups (coffee
in a stadium? what devilry is this), an Austria keeper that would embarrass
the teams at the WEURO**, but as usual the only thing that counts in
Europe is who goes through in the end, isn't it.

* https://gfycat.com/PettyRashHoneybadger (the red card was OK, though)
** https://gfycat.com/LeadingVibrantIrishwolfhound



--

03/08/2017


FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR) v AEK LARNACA FC (CYP) 1-1 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Saroka 47' (pen); Acorán 90'+3; Red Card: Bykov (Din) 85')

Larnaca scored into the empty net after Minsk keeper Ignatovich had joined
the attack in search for the overall equaliser on occasion of a last-minute
corner kick.



FK SHKËNDIJA (MKD) v FK Trakai (LTU) 3-0 (2-0), 4-2 on aggregate
(Ibraimi 29', Hasani 42', 88'; Red Card: Klimavičius (Tra) 72')

So the second Lithuanian team couldn't repeat Sūduva's heroics, but two
Macedonian teams in ELQ4 isn't bad either.



Odds BK (NOR) v GNK DINAMO ZAGREB (CRO) 0-0 (0-0), 1-2 on aggregate
(Red Card: Olmo (Din) 86')

And another Croatian team goes through thanks to a lucky scoreless draw,
Occéan's headers either closely missed the net or fell onto the crossbar.
I like the name of Odd's Finnish winger Riku Riski. His brother Roope Riski
plays in Austria, St. Pölten took a gamble on him.



FC ZENIT (RUS) v Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (ISR) 0-1 (0-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Buzaglo 67')

Certainly a closer shave than the Russians would have liked. Ten minutes
from time Lodygin saved one-on-one against Tchibota, and his team the
blushes.



AC Sparta Praha (CZE) v FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) 0-1 (0-1), 0-3 on aggregate
(Boakye 19')

Sparta only came alive after Rosický had come on around the hour mark, and
then hit the woodwork twice. Stramaccioni so far hasn't survived longer
than a year at any of his previous clubs (Inter, Udinese and
Panathinaikos), and I wouldn't bet on him lasting even that long in Prague
either.



APOLLON LIMASSOL FC (CYP) v Aberdeen FC (SCO) 2-0 (1-0), 3-2 on aggregate
(Schembri 17', Zelaya 86')

Aberdeen are eliminated in ELQ3 for the third year in a row and Celtic will
have to prop up the Scottish coefficient all by themselves, again,



FC OLEKSANDRIYA (UKR) v FC Astra Giurgiu (ROM) 1-0 (1-0), 1-0 on aggregate
(Zaporozhan 43' (pen))

The foul that led to the penalty deciding the whole tie in fact took place
just outside the box. Oleksandriya notably have an all-Ukrainian squad,
that's rare these days.



VIDEOTON FC (HUN) v FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA) 1-0 (1-0), 2-2 on
aggregate, Videoton through on away goals
(Stopira 45'+5; Red Cards: Sabaly (Gir) 46', Varga (Vid) 69')

Cape Verdean international Stopira's header from a corner was enough to
secure the first big surprise of the evening.



Qäbälä FK (AZE) v PANATHINAIKOS FC (GRE) 1-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Moledo 52' (og); Lod 63', Cabezas 66')

Panathinakos missed a row of good chances in the first half, and it looked
as if that would be punished when Rodrigo Meledo deflected Bagaliy Dabo's
cross into his own net, but a thumping volley by Robin Lod and some
trickery by Ecuadorian youngster Bryan Cabezas helped the Greeks through.



CS Fola Esch (LUX) v ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) 1-2 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Bensi 53'; Somi 59', Pettersson 66')

Like Qäbälä, Fola Esch could dream for only a short while, as Stefano
Bensi's looping hander was soon cancelled by Gabriel Somi on the break,
also thanks to Fola keeper Hym needlessly leaving his net.



FENERBAHÇE SK (TUR) v SK Sturm Graz (AUT) 1-1 (1-0), 3-2 on aggregate
(Dirar 32'; Huspek 66')

Again, a corageous performance, and in the end the Turks seemed relieved
to hear the final whistle, but that little bit of luck that we would have
needed in order to eliminate a formidable opponent like Fenerbahçe was
never there. Curse the day we lost our seeded status against Breiðablik
four years ago.


Lyngby BK (DEN) v FC KRASNODAR (RUS) 1-3 (0-2), 2-5 on aggregate
(Rygaard Jensen 28'; Pereyra 9', 22', Mamaev 89' (pen))

End of the line for the Danish St. Johnstone.


CS MARÍTIMO (POR) v PFC Botev Plovdiv (BUL) 2-0 (1-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Rodrigo Pinho 34' (pen), Valente 49')

Marítimo's Brazilian striker Rodrigo Pinho was born near Hamburg because
his father Nando played for HSV back then.



PAOK FC (GRE) v FC Olimpik Donetsk (UKR) 2-0 (2-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Mak 24', Cimirot 45'+1)



KF SKËNDERBEU KORÇË (ALB) v FK Mladá Boleslav (CZE) 2-1 aet (0-1, 2-1), 3-3
on aggregate, Skënderbeu win 4-2 on penalties
(Lilaj 55' (pen), Plaku 83'; Jánoš 18')

It looked like smooth sailing for the Czechs in the first half, but Lukáš
Pauschek's horribly mistimed sliding tackle in the box let the Albanians
back into the match, and seven minutes from the end Skënderbeu managed to
force the match into extra time.
In the shoot-out, Skënderbeu keeper Shehi took the first spot kick fot the
Albanians, and ironically enough in the end it was 'appropriately named'
Gol-gol Mebrahtu who missed the decisive penalty.



Lech Poznań (POL) v FC UTRECHT (NED) 2-2 (1-1), 2-2 on aggregate, Utrecht
through on away goals
(Gytkjær 26', 90'+4; Kerk 1', Labyad 89'; Red Card: Leeuwin (Utr) 70')

Utrecht's opener after just 43 seconds had already put Lech in a tight
spot, but they equalised thanks to an egregious offside goal that was
somehow the reverse of the one that didn't count in Rijeka: https://gifyu.com/images/lech3.gif
Lech then had more and better opportunities, but Utrecht also had a goal
more than controversially disallowed for an alleged push. Things got even
hairier for the Dutch when Robin Leeuwin received his second booking, but
late on, and just after Gytkjær had missed a sitter, 10-men Utrecht scored
the decisive goal on the break. Gytkjær's second goal came too late for
Lech, even though they had one more shot on goal after that.



SCR ALTACH (AUT) v KAA Gent (BEL) 3-1 (1-1), 4-2 on aggregate
(Ngamaleu 11', Nutz 76', Dobras 88'; Milićević 44' (pen);
Red Card: Mitrović (Gen) 49')

So those two days weren't a complete disaster for Austrian football after
all. Unfancied Altach, hailing from a small city in (densely populated)
Vorarlberg, Austria's most un-Austrian province, took control of the match
from the start, and it was Ngamaleu's speed that created Altach's opener
and later also forced Stefan Mitrović into committing the foul that got the
Serbian his second booking. Altach rounded the match off with two nice
goals by Stefan Nutz and Kristijan Dobras, both before the season deemed
surplus to requirements at 'bigger' Austrian clubs like Rapid and Sturm,



HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v Brøndby IF (DEN) 2-0 (0-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Erceg 59', 63')

Hajduk had originally been served a stadium ban for racist banners, but
UEFA reversed that judgement on appeal a couple of days before the match,
So the only ones who suffered from the decision were the Brøndby away fans
who were left scrambling to somehow get to Split on short notice. That
doesn't seem fair, away fans really shouldn't be subjected to stadium bans
dished out to the home team.



FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) v MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) 2-1 (0-0), 4-4 on aggregate,
Midtjylland through on away goals
(Socha 77' (og), Sørloth 90'+3; Soldecki 59')

On an otherwise quite bad Danish matchday, at least Alexander Sørloth's
last-gasp winner brought some joy.



KV Oostende (BEL) v OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (FRA) 0-0 (0-0), 2-4 on
aggregate

Not a good matchday for Belgium either.



MFK Ružomberok (SLK) v EVERTON FC (ENG) 0-1 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate
(Calvert-Lewin 80')

The Slovakians had their opportunities to level the overall score (albeit
not very dangerous ones), and it took quite a while until Dominic Calvert-
Lewin sealed the deal on the break.



AC MILAN (ITA) v CS Universitatea Craiova (ROM) 2-0 (1-0), 3-0 on aggregate
(Bonaventura 9', Cutrone 52')

With 66.000 people starved for European football in attendance in San Siro
things might have become a little more tense for Milan if Donnarumma hadn't
expertly saved one-on-one Mitriță in the first half, but on the whole the
Rossoneri had everything under control.



ATHLETIC CLUB (ESP) v FC Dinamo București (ROM) 3-0 (2-0), 4-1 on aggregate
(García 24', 29', Aduriz 86')

Two early goals from crosses sank the Romanians.



NK OSIJEK (CRO) v PSV (NED) 1-0 (1-0), 2-0 on aggregate
(Bočkaj 25')

This is huge. PSV won't play in Europe in autumn for the first time since
*1974*, as after the penalty in the first match a free-kick in the return
leg was enough to finish them off.



Panionios FC (GRE) v MACCABI TEL AVIV FC (ISR) 0-1 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate
(Korbos 79' (og))

Panionios captain Panagiotis Korbos stabbed a corner kick into his own net.



NK DOMŽALE (SLO) v SC Freiburg 2-0 (0-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Ibričić 50' (pen), Bizjak 59')

Fully deserved elimination for Freiburg, they were totally harmless for
the most part.



SC BRAGA (POR) v AIK (SWE) 2-1 aet (0-0, 1-0), 3-2 on aggregate
(Fonte 74', Silva 120'+1; Obasi 13')

AIK's achilles heel was again their young keeper Linnér who first made a
mess of Fransérgio's header*, and in stoppage time of extra time, when
everybody was already preparing for penalties, completely misjudged a long
free-kick.**
I hadn't realised that former Hoffenheim and Schalke striker Chinedu Obasi
has ended up in Sweden, nor that he's already over 30.

* https://gfycat.com/EmptyNewCottonmouth
** https://gfycat.com/AnxiousVigilantAkitainu



--

Draw for EL Playoffs (August 17 and 24)


Legia Warszawa (POL) v FC Sheriff (MDA)
FC Zenit (RUS) v FC Utrecht (NED)
FK Partizan (SRB) v Videoton FC (HUN)
NK Domžale (SLO) v Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
PFC Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) v FK Sūduva (LTU)

GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR) v FC Oleksandriya (UKR)
SCR Altach (AUT) v Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)
AFC Ajax (NED) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)
Vardar FK (MKD) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)

FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v RB Salzburg (AUT)
Everton FC (ENG) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)
FH (ISL) v SC Braga (POR)
Apollon Limassol FC (CYP) v FC Midtjylland (DEN)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Athletic Club (ESP)

CS Marítimo (POR) v FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Club Brugge KV (BEL) v AEK FC (GRE)
FC Krasnodar (RUS) v FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)
NK Osijek (CRO) v FK Austria Wien (AUT)
AC Milan (ITA) v KF Shkëndija (MKD)


What rotten luck for the two Macedonian teams.
As for us, not exactly a good draw - there's another potential banana peel
waiting for Salzburg as Viitorul are certainly comparable to Rijeka,
and Austria are favourites on paper against Osijek but are currently in
terrible form. As improbable as it sounds, Altach might actually be our
best bet to reach the group stages.



--

Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-08-05, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 3rd CL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs

The theme of this round seemed to be goalkeeping. Or the lack of it.

> FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) v FK Vardar (MKD) 4-1 (2-1), 4-2 on aggregate
> (Greguš 2', Barseghyan 26' (og), Santander 75', Sotiriou 88' (pen);
> Nikolov 19'; Red Card: Greguš (FCK) 71')
>
> FCK danced on thin ice, with Slovakian Ján Greguš scoring a nice volley but
> also collecting the third Red Card in his last 10 European matches for FCK
> (interestingly enough he's never been sent off for them domestically). 11

It takes *a lot* to get a red card domestically playing for FCK.

> HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v Brøndby IF (DEN) 2-0 (0-0), 2-0 on aggregate
> (Erceg 59', 63')

Zorninger bringing his Red Bull European expertise. Brøndby with a
strong league start, but have done absolutely nothing in Europe.

> FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) v MZKS Arka Gdynia (POL) 2-1 (0-0), 4-4 on aggregate,
> Midtjylland through on away goals
> (Socha 77' (og), Sørloth 90'+3; Soldecki 59')
>
> On an otherwise quite bad Danish matchday, at least Alexander Sørloth's
> last-gasp winner brought some joy.

Should never have been so close.

[Werner Pichler]

CL Play-off, 1st legs


--

15/08/2017


Champions Route:


Qarabağ FK (AZE) - FC København (DEN) 1-0 (1-0)
(Madatov 25')

The Azeri were the better team with the better chances, but were also lucky
that Dino Ndlovu's shot that went off the post fell directly in front of
Madatov's feet.
If FCK manage to turn the tie around in the return leg next week, they would
apparently become the first team to ever make it through to the Champions
League with three defeats in the qualification rounds.



APOEL FC (CYP) - SK Slavia Praha (CZE) 2-0 (2-0)
(De Camargo 2', Aloneftis 10')

Aloneftis' lob was a beauty: https://gfycat.com/BrilliantIckyFattaileddunnart


--

League Route:


BSC Young Boys (SUI) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) 0-1 (0-0)
(Nuhu 90'+1)

Oh, my.
https://gfycat.com/GrossDependentHylaeosaurus



TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (GER) v Liverpool FC (ENG) 1-2 (0-1)
(Uth 87'; Alexander-Arnold 35', Nordtveit 74' (og))

As has been observed, a slightly lucky win for Liverpool, but some of the
difference in market value between the two teams (456m€ compared to 120m€,
according to transfermarkt) can probably be explained by the ability to win
all-important matches like this one.



Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FCSB (ROM) 0-0 (0-0)
(Red Card: Pintilii (FCSB) 80')

Whistling and boos after the final whistle as Sporting never came close to
breaking down the Romanian defence.



--

16/08/2017


Champions Route:


Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC (ISR) v NK Maribor (SLO) 2-1 (2-1)
(Nwakaeme 12', Tzedek 45'+2 (pen); Tavares 10')

A terrible mistake by the Hapoel defence gifted Maribor the opener*, but the
Israeli champions replied immediately with a fabulous volley**. Still, they
might come to regret their missed opportunities in the second half.

* https://gfycat.com/ShorttermGlisteningHeifer
** https://gfycat.com/PerkyScrawnyLamb



Celtic FC (SCO) v FC Astana (KAZ) 5-0 (2-0)
(Postnikov 32' (og), Sinclair 42', 60', Forrest 79', Shitov 88' (og))

Evgeni Postnikov turned Tom Rogic's cross into his own net, Scott Sinclair
scored two on the break, James Forrest made it four from a tight angle and Igor
Shitov, always worth a chuckle, unluckily deflected Griffiths' shot past his own
keeper, as Celtic scored five times with three shots on target.



Olympiacos FC (GRE) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) 2-1 (0-1)
(Odjidja 66', Romao 90'+3; Héber 42'; Red Card: Zuta (Rij) 83')

The Greek champions had much more opportunities but needed a lucky last-minute
ping-pong goal to prevail.



--

League Route:


SSC Napoli (ITA) v OGC Nice (FRA) 2-0 (1-0)
(Mertens 13', Jorginho 70' (pen); Red Cards: Koziello (Nic) 80', Pléa (Nic) 80')

Convincing win by Napoli, and they could have scored more while Nice were
without Balotelli and without a shot on goal. Pléa got a second yellow for
protesting against Koziello's red, that's just stupid.



İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR) v Sevilla CF (ESP) 1-2 (0-1)
(Elia 64'; Escudero 16', Ben Yedder 84')

Clinical performance by Sevilla, as usual from the Spanish teams. They've
probably had enough of the Europa League for a while?



--

EL Play-off, 1st legs


--

16/08/2017


FC Utrecht (NED) v FC Zenit (RUS) 1-0 (0-0)
(Labyad 77')

A quite poor performance by St. Petersburg, but they should still be favourites
to turn the tie around at home as usual.



--

17/08/2017


GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v KF Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB) 1-1 (0-1)
(Henríquez 90'+5; Latifi 37')

Absolutely terrible performance by Dinamo in the first half, and they were even
lucky that the Albanians had a good goal disallowed for offside. The Croatians
were improved after the break and had several good chances to equalise, but
still needed a ridiculous bounce in the 5th minute of stoppage time to even the
score: https://gfycat.com/IllustriousUnkemptAxisdeer



FC BATE Borisov (BLR) v FC Oleksandriya (UKR) 1-1 (1-1)
(Ivanić 8'; Banada 19')

To tell the truth, neither of these teams is very exciting, but Yevhen Banada's
volley to even the score was nice.



Apollon Limassol FC (CYP) v FC Midtjylland (DEN) 3-2 (1-1)
(Kyriakou 15', Jander 70', Pittas 90'+1; Sørloth 38', 74')

Same away result for Midtjylland as in the previous round, and again a constant
back and forth. Didn't they used to have a rock-solid defence at one point?



FC Krasnodar (RUS) v FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 3-2 (1-0)
(Ignatyev 20', Claesson 46', Petrov 66'; Srnić 57', Pešić 71')

Krasnodar had their 'Lampard moment' at the hour mark when a shot by the Serbian
Mihailo Ristić crashed off the underside of the crossbar and fell behind the
goal line, but the ref waved to play on. Even though the Russian managed to
score their third goal shortly afterwards, that decision could still prove
costly as the substitute Aleksandar Pešić tapped in to reduce Red Star's deficit
a second time and give them a good chance in the return leg.



FH (ISL) v SC Braga (POR) 1-2 (1-0)
(H.O. Björnsson 40'; Paulinho 62', Stojiljković 79')

Halldór Orri Björnsson's nicely curled shot and the Portugueses' lacklustre
performance in the first half raised some hopes for a first ever EL group phase
for an Icelandic team, but a much improved Braga side smashed those mercilessly
after the break.



PAOK (GRE) v Östersunds FK (SWE) 3-1 (1-1)
(Léo Matos 38', Prijović 77', 88' (pen); Nouri 21' (pen))

A misunderstanding between PAOK keeper Rodrigo Rey and former Austria Wien
left-back Marin Leovac gifted the last remaining Swedish team a penalty, but
Léo Matos headed in the equaliser and Swiss-Serbian Aleksandar Prijović scored
a late header and also converted a penalty to make the return leg much more
comfortable for the Greeks.



Vardar FK (MKD) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) 2-0 (1-0)
(Barseghyan 20', Topal 90'+2 (og); Red Cards: Grnčarov (Var) 89',
Souza (Fen) 90'+3)

Probably the biggest surprise of the matchday - after Gala, Fener also stares
elimination in the face, and they only beat themselves, with the main culprits
being Škrtel:
https://gfycat.com/RelievedDeliriousImago
and Mehmet Topal and Kameni:
https://gfycat.com/ConstantJoyousKoi
By that point Vardar had only had one shot on goal in the entire match, and
were also down to 10.



FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) v AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) 3-1 (2-1)
(Bakoš 29', 74' (pen), Kolář 36'; Acorán 8')

Viktoria rode their luck early on and were supremely lucky that Larnaca's
Macedonian striker Ivan Tričkovski produced not one but two incredible misses:
https://gfycat.com/GreenJitteryEyra
https://gfycat.com/PoshBewitchedAndeancondor
Marek Bakoš's excellent free-kick, Daniel Kolář's turn-and-shot and a stupid
handball penalty then turned the game around for the Czechs.



PFC Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) v FK Sūduva (LTU) 2-0 (0-0)
(Moţi 61', Misidjan 76')

The Bulgarian champions managed to break down the Lithuanian wall in the
second half. Sūduva defended with 10 men, never even tried to go for the away
goal and didn't have a single shot on goal, that's too little at this stage
(unless you play Fenerbahçe, maybe).



SCR Altach (AUT) v Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) 0-1 (0-0)
(Kjartansson 68')

When Altach, who really controlled the match for long stretches, saw both a shot
and a header in short succesion miraculously cleared off the Israeli goal line,
I already knew what would happen shortly afterwards.



Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Athletic Club (ESP) 2-3 (1-0)
(Lod 29', Cabezas 55'; Aduriz 68', 74' (pen), De Marcos 71')

Pana dominated for an hour, then the Basques seemed to have had enough and
scored three times in six minutes.



Legia Warszawa (POL) v FC Sheriff (MDA) 1-1 (0-0)
(Hämäläinen 76'; Bayala 88')

The Moldavians had just one shot on goal, but that header from a corner kick was
enough.



NK Domžale (SLO) v Olympique de Marseille (FRA) 1-1 (1-0)
(Vetrih 12'; Sanson 63')

The Slovenians actually missed several good opportunities to make it 2-0, then
were duly punished for it.



AFC Ajax (NED) v Rosenborg BK (NOR) 0-1 (0-0)
(Adegbenro 77')

Bendtner still can't buy a goal in Europe*, but one collective defensive lapse
was nevertheless enough for Rosenborg to score the winner** through Samuel
Adegbenro, just two days after the Nigerian youngster had signed for the
Norwegians.

* https://gfycat.com/RecklessJovialDugong
** https://gfycat.com/DearWastefulBear

Last year's finalists are in trouble.



FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) v RB Salzburg (AUT) 1-3 (1-3)
(Ţucudean 7'; Hwang 2', Wolf 29', Dabbur 31')

With the CL millstone off their necks Salzburg needed just 65 seconds to open
the scoring, a fine shot into the top corner by Hwang Hee-chan. Hagi's kids
replied quickly and scored the equaliser from an improbable angle, but their
naïve defending undid them already in the first half.

10th missed CL qualification in a row is one thing, a seventh EL group phase (a
record they could hold jointly with Ajax) would be another.



Club Brugge KV (BEL) v AEK FC (GRE) 0-0 (0-0)
(Red Card: Livaja (AEK) 58')

The Belgian teams are still winless in Europe this season.



NK Osijek (CRO) v FK Austria Wien (AUT) 1-2 (1-1)
(Ejupi 15'; Monschein 26', Holzhauser 60')

The umpteenth qualifier in recent seasons where an ostensibly weak Austria
side somehow manages to come away with a close to perfect result.

The decisive moment of this tie came in the 20th minute - just after the
Croatians had taken the lead thanks to a quickly executed free-kick, Osijek's
captain Borna Barišić sent a penalty against the inside of the post from where
it danced across the goal line and went out. Six minutes later Austria's man of
the match, the youngster Dominik Prokop, sent Christoph Monschein clear with a
fine assist, and Monschein's perfectly placed grass-cutter went in off the far
post, his first goal for his new club following a somewhat controversial move
from league rivals Admira Wacker. Take a couple of millimetres from that shot
and give it to Barišić's penalty, and in all likelihood it's Osijek who go
through - that's football in a nutshell. Austria captain Raphael Holzhauser
compounded Croatian misery by expertly converting a free-kick.



AC Milan (ITA) v KF Shkëndija (MKD) 6-0 (3-0)
(Silva 13', 28', Montolivo 25', 85', Borini 67', Antonelli 69')

The Macedonian red&blacks were noticeably in awe of their Italian counterparts,
even long before the actual kick-off (Shkëndija's team got a special tour of
the Museo Mondo Milan and everything), and it showed on the pitch as well,
their woeful defending made it far too easy for Milan.



FK Partizan (SRB) v Videoton FC (HUN) 0-0 (0-0)

What's more boring than a boring 0-0? A boring 0-0 played behind closed doors
in an empty stadium.



Everton FC (ENG) v HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) 2-0 (2-0)
(Keane 30', Gueye 44')

Shortly after Michael Keane had headed Everton into the lead, Hajduk hooligans
tried to invade the pitch, ripped out chairs and started fighting both with
Everton fans and with themselves. Idriss Gueye gave the right answer on the
field by slotting in Everton's second, assisted by Rooney.



CS Marítimo (POR) v FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) 0-0 (0-0)
(Red Card: Khacheridi (Dyn) 89')



--

Ciao,
Werner

[jvazquez]

Werner?

You seem to watch all CL and EL matches.

That's a huge number of matches, aren't they?

How many of "you" are there?

:-))))

[HASM]

jvazquez> Werner?
jvazquez> You seem to watch all CL and EL matches.

Or maybe some (decent) highlights show.

-- HASM

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-08-18, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Qarabağ FK (AZE) - FC København (DEN) 1-0 (1-0)
>

> If FCK manage to turn the tie around in the return leg next week, they would
> apparently become the first team to ever make it through to the Champions
> League with three defeats in the qualification rounds.

Nightmare scenario.

> Apollon Limassol FC (CYP) v FC Midtjylland (DEN) 3-2 (1-1)
> (Kyriakou 15', Jander 70', Pittas 90'+1; Sørloth 38', 74')

Tuned in in time so see the 2-2. Very strange to see such a big and
cumbersome looking player sprint away from much smaller defenders.
https://streamable.com/hyrz1

In what I saw the Cypriots were falling apart and Midtjylland had
plenty of chances to get a winner. Hopefully they can turn it around
at home again.

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 18 August 2017 03:18:40 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:

> --
>
> League Route:
>
>
> BSC Young Boys (SUI) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) 0-1 (0-0)
> (Nuhu 90'+1)
>
> Oh, my.
> https://gfycat.com/GrossDependentHylaeosaurus

Better with Swiss commentary.

http://players.brightcove.net/4772533039001/B1urHijx_default/index.html?videoId=5542039380001


Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

I try to catch as much as I can, at least the highlights - as you can probably
tell, I generally write the most about the matches which I manage to watch in
full (or some simulcast) on local TV (usually Austrian, Swiss and German teams,
but also the odd Croatian or Turk). It's easier now in the later rounds.

Online, LaOla1 carries a surprising amount of matches (perhaps geo-blocked in
some countries), and there are several sites that show goals and highlights
soon after they've happened, that's where I get my gifs from. Finally, there
might be some additional information that I got from other fora (like r/soccer,
which has become in some ways what rss used to be in its heyday).

But I'm always happy when somebody fills in some details to matches I only
caught cursorily.


Ciao,
Werner

[jvazquez]

A hell of a good job ;-)

Danke.

[MH]

On 2017-08-18 3:18, Werner Pichler wrote:
> CL Play-off, 1st legs
>
>
> --
>
> 15/08/2017
>
>
> Champions Route:
>
>
> Qarabağ FK (AZE) - FC København (DEN) 1-0 (1-0)
> (Madatov 25')
>
> The Azeri were the better team with the better chances, but were also lucky
> that Dino Ndlovu's shot that went off the post fell directly in front of
> Madatov's feet.
> If FCK manage to turn the tie around in the return leg next week, they would
> apparently become the first team to ever make it through to the Champions
> League with three defeats in the qualification rounds.
>
>
>
> APOEL FC (CYP) - SK Slavia Praha (CZE) 2-0 (2-0)
> (De Camargo 2', Aloneftis 10')
>
> Aloneftis' lob was a beauty: https://gfycat.com/BrilliantIckyFattaileddunnart
>
>
> --
>
> League Route:
>
>
> BSC Young Boys (SUI) v PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) 0-1 (0-0)
> (Nuhu 90'+1)
>
> Oh, my.
> https://gfycat.com/GrossDependentHylaeosaurus
>

Yeah, I saw some of that game, and Young Boys looked much the better
team until this comedy of errors in injury time

>
>
> TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (GER) v Liverpool FC (ENG) 1-2 (0-1)
> (Uth 87'; Alexander-Arnold 35', Nordtveit 74' (og))
>
> As has been observed, a slightly lucky win for Liverpool, but some of the
> difference in market value between the two teams (456m€ compared to 120m€,
> according to transfermarkt) can probably be explained by the ability to win
> all-important matches like this one.

Only saw highlights, but Liverpool seemed to have more clear chances.

>
>
>
> Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FCSB (ROM) 0-0 (0-0)
> (Red Card: Pintilii (FCSB) 80')
>
> Whistling and boos after the final whistle as Sporting never came close to
> breaking down the Romanian defence.
>
>
>
> --
>
> 16/08/2017
>
>
> Champions Route:
>
>
> Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC (ISR) v NK Maribor (SLO) 2-1 (2-1)
> (Nwakaeme 12', Tzedek 45'+2 (pen); Tavares 10')
>
> A terrible mistake by the Hapoel defence gifted Maribor the opener*, but the
> Israeli champions replied immediately with a fabulous volley**. Still, they
> might come to regret their missed opportunities in the second half.
>
> * https://gfycat.com/ShorttermGlisteningHeifer
> ** https://gfycat.com/PerkyScrawnyLamb
>
>
>
> Celtic FC (SCO) v FC Astana (KAZ) 5-0 (2-0)
> (Postnikov 32' (og), Sinclair 42', 60', Forrest 79', Shitov 88' (og))
>
> Evgeni Postnikov turned Tom Rogic's cross into his own net, Scott Sinclair
> scored two on the break, James Forrest made it four from a tight angle and Igor
> Shitov, always worth a chuckle, unluckily deflected Griffiths' shot past his own
> keeper, as Celtic scored five times with three shots on target.

Surely even Celtic can defend a lead like that. This win thus improves
Scotland's UEFA coefficient by 1.25 at one fell swoop. Also puts some
money in the bank to keep hold of Dembele and maybe modestly improve the
squad. If Olympiakos or Liverpool screws up (or Napoli or Sevilla, but
those seem less likely) , Celtic makes it into pot 3 in the CL, and
might actually pick up a point or 3 with a favourable draw. After a
shaky start, Rodgers has done OK with this modest squad.

>
>
>
> Olympiacos FC (GRE) v HNK Rijeka (CRO) 2-1 (0-1)
> (Odjidja 66', Romao 90'+3; Héber 42'; Red Card: Zuta (Rij) 83')
>
> The Greek champions had much more opportunities but needed a lucky last-minute
> ping-pong goal to prevail.

>
>
>
> --
>
> League Route:
>
>
> SSC Napoli (ITA) v OGC Nice (FRA) 2-0 (1-0)
> (Mertens 13', Jorginho 70' (pen); Red Cards: Koziello (Nic) 80', Pléa (Nic) 80')
>
> Convincing win by Napoli, and they could have scored more while Nice were
> without Balotelli and without a shot on goal. Pléa got a second yellow for
> protesting against Koziello's red, that's just stupid.
>
>
>
> İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR) v Sevilla CF (ESP) 1-2 (0-1)
> (Elia 64'; Escudero 16', Ben Yedder 84')
>
> Clinical performance by Sevilla, as usual from the Spanish teams. They've
> probably had enough of the Europa League for a while?
>

Two goals by two of my least inspired Fantasy Scout picks.

[Werner Pichler]

On Saturday, 19 August 2017 19:00:39 UTC+2, MH wrote:
> On 2017-08-18 3:18, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > CL Play-off, 1st legs
> >
> >
> > --
> >

> > Celtic FC (SCO) v FC Astana (KAZ) 5-0 (2-0)
> > (Postnikov 32' (og), Sinclair 42', 60', Forrest 79', Shitov 88' (og))
> >
> > Evgeni Postnikov turned Tom Rogic's cross into his own net, Scott Sinclair
> > scored two on the break, James Forrest made it four from a tight angle and
> > Igor Shitov, always worth a chuckle, unluckily deflected Griffiths' shot
> > past his own keeper, as Celtic scored five times with three shots on target.
>
> Surely even Celtic can defend a lead like that.

Not for lack of trying!

> This win thus improves Scotland's UEFA coefficient by 1.25 at one fell swoop.
> Also puts some money in the bank to keep hold of Dembele and maybe modestly
> improve the squad. If Olympiakos or Liverpool screws up (or Napoli or
> Sevilla, but those seem less likely) , Celtic makes it into pot 3 in the CL,
> and might actually pick up a point or 3 with a favourable draw. After a
> shaky start, Rodgers has done OK with this modest squad.

This much is true, but domestic competition is sorely lacking.



Ciao,
Werner

[Binder Dundat]

On Tuesday, 22 August 2017 13:18:24 UTC-4, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Saturday, 19 August 2017 19:00:39 UTC+2, MH wrote:
> > On 2017-08-18 3:18, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > > CL Play-off, 1st legs
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> > > Celtic FC (SCO) v FC Astana (KAZ) 5-0 (2-0)
> > > (Postnikov 32' (og), Sinclair 42', 60', Forrest 79', Shitov 88' (og))
> > >
> > > Evgeni Postnikov turned Tom Rogic's cross into his own net, Scott Sinclair
> > > scored two on the break, James Forrest made it four from a tight angle and
> > > Igor Shitov, always worth a chuckle, unluckily deflected Griffiths' shot
> > > past his own keeper, as Celtic scored five times with three shots on target.
> >
> > Surely even Celtic can defend a lead like that.
>
> Not for lack of trying!

Ok, maybe at 4-1 Celtic supporters may have been a wee bit nervous. But Celtic scored first today, which if me maths is correct, wee Astana would have had to score 7 goals and hope Celtic score no more.

On the subject of wee Scotsmen, Burke -of sitting on the bench for Leipzig fame- is rumoured to be going to Crystal Palace. I can kind of believe this because what i have seen of him the few times he has played, he seems a good player and is just wasting away at the sugary drink company team.


other games today

If it was a rainy, stormy, humid day and you were to stay inside the climate controlled home and watch a game, which one would you watch? They are all on TV.

Rijeka - Olympiakos -:- (-:-)
Olympiakios won the home leg 2-1, so pretty open.

Maribor - Beer Sheva -:- (-:-)
I do like Beer, though I have been drinking too much of it lately. I must have driven through or by Beersheba years ago, though I dont recall it? Possibly due to too much beer? This was also won 2-1 by the home team last week, so all to play for.

Sevilla - Basaksehir -:- (-:-)
Sevill won the away leg, so tie is already over.

Nizza - Neapel -:- (-:-)
I did watch the first leg of this game and there is nothing to make me believe Nice will win by two or more goals, though Balotelli may play in this leg. That alone is worth watching, just to see if he does something crazy, like shoots of fireworks from the bench if he doesn't start. Man City miss his fireworks so much, they did them before last nights game and no one could see the pitch for the 1st half.

I do like fireworks, but I think Olympiakos game is the one to start with.

[Werner Pichler]

Oh come on, we all know why you really chose the Olympiakos game!


Ciao,
Werner

[Binder Dundat]

The Marko Marin Watch Lives!!!!!!


As it turns out the only game they did not show here on TV, was the game that not only saw Marko Marin score the only goal of the game, but the greatest game winning goal of all time, single-handedly leading Olympiakos to the UCL group stage.

Instead I was flicking through the other games, which were good.

Maribor did enough to win, though the keeper had to keep them in it at the end with a great save. Baseksheir, were the better team and if they were all maybe 20 years younger, they would have won this tie. Balotelli did start for Nice, but I did not really follow that match

Nizza - Neapel 0:2 (0:0)

Rijeka - Olympiakos 0:1 (0:1)

Maribor - Beer Sheva 1:0 (1:0)

Sevilla - Basaksehir 2:2 (0:1)

Astana - Celtic 4:3 (1:1)
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

[Binder Dundat]

I know, I know, everyone is still talking about Marko Marin and Olympiakos, so much so, that everone has forgotten their actually are football matches today, yes I know, no one will be watching, yesterday was the main day and Marko Marin stole the show, but due diligence tells me I should at least mention that some teams no one has heard of play today.

Liverpool - Hoffenheim -:- (-:-)
Can the Hoff win by two goals in Liverpool? Maybe if they had Marko Marin they could. Actually a high scoring one goal win would be enough. I believe!!!! I believe in The Hoff!

Kopenhagen - Qarabag -:- (-:-) Jesper will be selling his soul for a Kopehagen win today. Sold my soul decades ago. They only need to make a up a 1-0 loss.

Slavia Prag - APOEL Nikosia -:- (-:-)
Prag are down 2-0 from the first leg, what is it with these Cypriot teams? They seem to make the group stage every year.

ZSKA Moskau - YB Bern -:- (-:-)
Moscow take a one goal lead home with them, how can anyone win on those ice covered fields of Moscow. Swiss can, they play on ice covered fields on the slopes of Mountains.


FCSB Bukarest - Sporting -:- (-:-)
This could be the most interesting game, first leg was 0-0 and everyone expects Sporting to go through. i guess all they need is scoring tie, so not that hard to do.

[Chagney Hunt]

On 8/23/2017 1:03 PM, Binder Dundat wrote:

> Liverpool - Hoffenheim -:- (-:-)
> Can the Hoff win by two goals in Liverpool? Maybe if they had Marko Marin they could. Actually a high scoring one goal win would be enough. I believe!!!! I believe in The Hoff!

Ht.: 3-1, 7-1 wouldn't have been unfair.

Still, Hoff can score 3 in the second half especially if Liverpool
switch off. First though, a kid plucked straight out of kindergarten
might not be able to stop Liverpool from scoring more.

[alka...@hotmail.com]

On Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 3:40:19 PM UTC-4, Chagney Hunt wrote:
> On 8/23/2017 1:03 PM, Binder Dundat wrote:
>
> > Liverpool - Hoffenheim -:- (-:-)
> > Can the Hoff win by two goals in Liverpool? Maybe if they had Marko Marin they could. Actually a high scoring one goal win would be enough. I believe!!!! I believe in The Hoff!
>
> Ht.: 3-1, 7-1 wouldn't have been unfair.
>
> Still, Hoff can score 3 in the second half especially if Liverpool
> switch off.

Which Lovren did. At fault for both Hoffenheim goals. I don't care what anyone says about Klopp's system and the high line and all that, we need a CB who doesn't lose concentration. I dont care if he costs 60M or 6M, anyone will do as long as his name isn't Lovren.

Attack was devastating though. LFC could have scored 20 goals over the two legs. So...

Milestone #1 Aug 23rd 2017 - UCL qualification - COMPLETE
Milestone #2 Sep 1st 2017 - Coutinho still a LFC player
Milestone #3 Sep 1st 2017 - A new CB and CM at LFC

[anders t]

It's a fine line between milestones and millstones.


--
Manchester United FC - CHAMPIONS
Latest: England '13 (20th) Europa '17, UEFA '08, World '09

[alka...@hotmail.com]

Indeed. JK will have a hell of lot of embarrassing press conferences if no new CB comes in, plus a lot of very angry fans, and serious question marks about his overall sanity.

[Werner Pichler]

On Saturday, 19 August 2017 16:17:04 UTC+2, jvazquez wrote:
>
> A hell of a good job ;-)
>
> Danke.

Thanks!

Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round

--

CL Play-off, 2nd legs


--

22/08/2017


Champions Route:


FC Astana (KAZ) v CELTIC FC (SCO) 4-3 (1-1), 4-8 on aggregate
(Ajer 26' (og), Muzhikov 48', Twumasi 49', 69'; Sinclair 34', Ntcham 80',
Griffiths 90')

Astana's 4-1 can be seen as indicative for the level of defending in this match:
https://gfycat.com/HelplessLargeAngelfish
Fifteen minutes from the end Patrick Twumasi also had a glorious chance to
complete his hat trick, and who knows what could have happened then, but the
former Man City youngster Olivier Ntcham calmed Scottish nerves with a well-
placed shot from 12 metres.
This tie apparently set a CL play-off record for goals scored on aggregate. Of
course, in the group phase last year Dortmund and Legia only needed one match
for the same score.



NK MARIBOR (SLO) v Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC (ISR) 1-0 (1-0), 2-2 on aggregate,
Maribor through on away goals
(Viler 15')

The goal that broke Israeli hearts and sent Maribor to the CL group stages for
the third time in their history (and the second time in three seasons):
https://media.giphy.com/media/l3fzD9C2mSZ8Osd5m/giphy.gif
Jasmin Handanovič, who I regularly called the lesser Handanovič compared to
his cousin Samir, proved his worth by clawing out Nwakaeme's header in stoppage
time.



HNK Rijeka (CRO) v OLYMPIACOS FC (GRE) 0-1 (0-1), 1-3 on aggregate
(Marin 25')

Rijeka missed a couple of big opportunities early on and MARKO MARIN punished
them for it (although a lot of credit should also go to Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe for
the through ball). As youtube links tend to get taken down quickly, here's the
official gif for the Marko Marin Watch and their Favorite Active Bee:
https://gfycat.com/FavoriteActiveBee



--

League Route:


OGC Nice (FRA) v SSC NAPOLI (ITA) 0-2 (0-0), 0-4 on aggregate
(Callejón 48', Insigne 89')

Another really good match by Napoli, Nice never had the chance to mount a
comeback. With Juve, an in-form Napoli and a decent Roma side playing CL, and
Milan back in full swing in the EL, this could be a really good European season
for Serie A. (famous last words)



SEVILLA CF (ESP) v İstanbul Başakşehir FK (TUR) 2-2 (0-1), 4-3 on aggregate
(Escudero 52', Ben Yedder 75'; Elia 17', Višća 83')

As if to mock MH, Escudero and Elia scored again. Some serious squeaky bum time
for Sevilla in the last ten minutes, and in stoppage time Emre only hit the
post for the Turks. I could see Başakşehir and their Stoke-like collection of
seasoned veterans playing a good role in this year's Europa League.
Bruce said he liked the misses best, so here's N'Zonzi:

https://gfycat.com/GrimHeftyLark



--

23/08/2017


Champions Route:


SK Slavia Praha (CZE) v APOEL FC (CYP) 0-0 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate

Slavia's woeful finishing continued in this match, and this time it cost them
quite a lot of money.



FC København (DEN) v QARABAĞ FK (AZE) 2-1 (1-0), 2-2 on aggregate, Qarabağ

through on away goals
(Santander 45', Pavlović 66'; Ndlovu 63')

Federico Santander headed over Qarabağ's indisposed Bosnian keeper Šehić to
level the tie on aggregate, but the Azeri champions created dangerous
opportunities themselves, and finally scored the goal that in the end turned out
to be decisive when Dino Ndlovu wasn't picked up by the FCK defence in the box
and the South African despite a somewhat heavy first touch volleyed in:
https://gfycat.com/ScratchyAnchoredBluebird
København replied immediately through Pavlović's header from Peter Ankersen's
inviting cross, but despite a lot of pressure in the last thirty minutes the
Qarabağ defence successfully managed to keep the Danes at bay.

Qarabağ become the first Azeri side to reach the Champions League. They've
improved from year to year: 2013/14 ELQ4, 2014/15, 2015/15 and 2016/17 EL group
stage, and now the big prize.

So the champions of countries ranked at numbers #13 and #15-18 (Slavia,
Viitorul, Salzburg, Rijeka, Legia) are out, while those of countries ranked
19th (APOEL), 25th (Celtic), 26th (Qarabağ) and 30th (Maribor) are in.



--

League Route:


FCSB (ROM) v SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL (POR) 1-5 (1-1), 1-5 on aggregate
(Júnior Morais 20'; Doumbia 13', Acuña 60', Martins 64', Dost 75',
Battaglia 88')

The tie was still hanging in the balance until the hour mark when Bruno
Fernandes' ball sliced the Romanian defence and Marcos Acuña fired past Niță. A
demoralised NATBCS (not-allowed-to-be-called-Steaua) side then conceded three
more.



LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (GER) 4-2 (3-1), 6-3 on aggregate
(Can 10', 21', Salah 18', Firmino 63'; Uth 28', Wagner 79')

All I'll say is that it's been a pleasure to have been able to watch Sadio Mané
play in the Austrian League.



PFC CSKA MOSKVA (RUS) v BSC Young Boys (SUI) 2-0 (1-0), 3-0 on aggregate
(Schennikov 45', Dzagoev 64')

Young Boys had been the better team in the first leg, despite that terrible
last-minute own goal, but in the return match they never really had a chance
as CSKA calmly secured qualification to the group stages thanks to two well-
worked goals on both sides of half-time. Dzagoev's was the nicer one:
https://gfycat.com/IllinformedGiganticCanvasback



--

CL Draw (blame Totti)


Group A

Benfica (POR)
Manchester United (ENG)
Basel (SUI)
CSKA Moskva (RUS)


Group B

Bayern München (GER)
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Anderlecht (BEL)
Celtic (SCO)


Group C

Chelsea (ENG)
Atlético Madrid (ESP)
Roma (ITA)
Qarabağ (AZE)


Group D

Juventus (ITA)
Barcelona (ESP)
Olympiacos (GRE)
Sporting (POR)


Group E

Spartak Moskva (RUS)
Sevilla (ESP)
Liverpool (ENG)
Maribor (SLO)


Group F

Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Manchester City (ENG)
Napoli (ITA)
Feyenoord (NED)


Group G

Monaco (FRA)
Porto (POR)
Beşiktaş (TUR)
RB Leipzig (GER)


Group H

Real Madrid (ESP)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Tottenham (ENG)
APOEL (CYP)



--

EL Play-off, 2nd legs


24/08/2017


AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) v FC VIKTORIA PLZEŇ 0-0 (0-0), 1-3 on aggregate

The Cypriots had their opportunities, but couldn't convert any of them and
late on also only hit the woodwork.



FC DYNAMO KYIV (UKR) v CS Marítimo (POR) 3-1 (2-0), 3-1 on aggregate
(Garmash 33', Morozyuk 35', Mbokani 61'; Sen 68')

Even without VAR the referee did well to overrule his linesman and award the
Ukrainians Garmash's opener: https://gfycat.com/CourageousFarJanenschia
Some creative goalkeeping by Marítimo's Brazilian goalie Charles then gifted
Dynamo their second:
https://gfycat.com/QuestionableBeneficialAlligatorsnappingturtle
and after Mbokani had stolen a goal from Derlis González (the ball would have
crossed the line in any case) for Dynamo's third, Marítimo's comeback attempt
came too late.



ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) - PAOK FC (GRE) 2-0 (0-0), 3-3 on aggregate, Östersund
through on away goals
(Ghoddos 71', 77')

Saman Ghoddos basically scored the same goal twice (well-placed shot inside the
left post) to overcome Östersund's first-leg deficit. I guess this miracle run
(and being their only European surivor) could create a little more goodwill in
Sweden for the Jämtland upstarts?



FC SHERIFF (MDA) v Legia Warszawa (POL) 0-0 (0-0), 1-1 on aggregate, Sheriff
through on away goals
(Red Card: Pazdan (Leg) 39')

The Polish Ekstraklasa this year is by far the highest-ranked league to have
lost all their clubs before the group stages.



FC ZENIT (RUS) v FC Utrecht (NED) 2-0 aet (1-0, 1-0), 2-1 on aggregate
(Kokorin 9', 105')

Utrecht fought bravely, but in extra time Kokorin chested in Poloz's cross from
the closest of ranges.



FC OLEKSANDRIYA (UKR) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR) 1-2 (1-0), 2-2 on aggregate
(Hrytsuk 34' (pen); Ivanić 70', 73')

Too bad, Oleksandriya's all-Ukrainian squad could perhaps have been a bit more
interesting to watch in the group stages than the perennial Belarusians.



MACCABI TEL-AVIV FC (ISR) v SCR Altach (AUT) 2-2 (1-1), 3-2 on aggregate
(Kjartansson 41', Yeini 73'; Aigner 20', Netzer 59')

Very proud of Altach, they did much more than expected. In the end, Maccabi
were that little bit more clinical that comes with European experience.



RB SALZBURG (AUT) v FC Viitorul Constanța (ROM) 4-0 (2-0), 7-1 on aggregate
(Dabbur 7', Gulbrandsen 38', Berisha 52' (pen), Haidara 88')

They could do it against the Romanian champions, why not against the Croatian
ones? But truth be told, the Europa League - where they now hold the sole record
in participations - is as always a much better fit for Salzburg.



FK Sūduva (LTU) v PFC LUDOGORETS RAZGRAD (BUL) 0-0 (0-0), 0-2 on aggregate

End of the line for the Lithuanians, but they can be proud of a surprisingly
good qualification campaign.



Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) v FK VARDAR (MKD) 1-2 (0-0), 1-4 on aggregate
(Neustädter 61'; Jigauri 68', Gligorov 90'+1)

Whoa... ha! Sturm Graz avenged.
Vardar again scored a funny one:
https://gfycat.com/FrayedBitesizedIrishdraughthorse



Videoton FC (HUN) v FK PARTIZAN (SRB) 0-4 (0-3), 0-4 on aggregate
(Tawamba 6', Soumah 24', Đurđević 35', 87'; Red Card: Juhász (Vid) 47')

Partizan steamrollered the last remaining Hungarian team already in the first
half.



KF SKËNDERBEU KORÇË (ALB) v GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) 0-0 (0-0), 1-1 on
aggregate, Skënderbeu through on away goals
(Red Card: Nimaga (Skë) 78')

Bwahaha!



FC Midtjylland (DEN) v APOLLON LIMASSOL FC (CYP) 1-1 (1-0), 3-4 on aggregate
(Hassan 10'; Schembri 50')

Alexander Sørloth's sprinting capabilities again created Midtjylland's opener,
but after Schembri's shot had somehow hobbled past Jesper Hansen into the
Danish net, this time there was to be no late salvation for the Danes. Instead,
Apollon also missed a penalty.
FCM manager Thorup reacts to Borring's late miss that would have sent them
through: https://gfycat.com/ZestyDeadlyAustraliankestrel


AEK FC (GRE) v Club Brugge KV (BEL) 3-0 (2-0), 3-0 on aggregate
(Christodoulopoulos 27' (pen), Simões 39', 90'+1)

A clumsy penalty caused by Brugge's US keeper Horvath was their first step on
the road to defeat. After last year's brilliant season, quite the wakeup call
for the Belgian League - they have already lost three starters (only Zulte and
Anderlecht remain) and are still winless.



OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (FRA) v NK Domžale (SLO) 3-0 (1-0), 4-1 on aggregate
(Germain 28', 56', Thauvin 85')

Domžale had hit the post just before Marseille went in front.



ROSENBORG BK (NOR) v AFC Ajax (NED) 3-2 (1-0), 4-2 on aggregate
(Bendtner 26', Adegbenro 80', 89'; Younes 60', Schöne 61')

I cannot, of course, deny you the Lord's goal:
https://media.giphy.com/media/3oKGz72cXfPV7qXr3O/giphy.gif
Kudos to the Norwegians for not giving up after Ajax's one-two punch, and Samuel
Adegbenro, who ended up scoring three times against last year's finalists
despite having joined Rosenborg only just ten days ago must count among the
most inspired buys of this qualification campaign.

And just like that, Ajax are back to square one.



SC BRAGA (POR) v FH (ISL) 3-2 (0-1), 5-3 on aggregate
(Paulinho 39', 80', Dyego Sousa 90'+3; Bödvarsson 16', 51')

Braga were for the longest time courting disaster.



ATHLETIC CLUB (ESP) v Panathinaikos FC (GRE) 1-0 (1-0), 4-2 on aggregate
(Muniain 22')

After Muniain's beautifully worked goal this was more of a training match.



KF Shkëndija (MKD) v AC MILAN (ITA) 0-1 (0-1), 0-7 on aggregate
(Cutrone 13')

Shkëndija would have deserved at least a draw against Milan's reserves.



HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) v EVERTON FC (ENG) 1-1 (1-0), 1-3 on aggregate
(Radošević 43'; Sigurðsson 46')

Former RB Salzburg midfielder Josip Radošević opened the scoring with a
fabulous strike: https://gfycat.com/TheseBronzeDiplodocus
but then Gylfi decided to recover some of his £40 million transfer fee by doing
this: https://streamable.com/lu14h
Hajduk could at least have won the match, if not the tie, when they were awarded
a penalty just a little bit later, but Ahmed Said took the ball away from
designated penalty taker Erceg and duly missed. He was then roundly booed by the
Split fans every time he touched the ball until he was mercifully taken off ten
minutes later.



FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) v FC Krasnodar (RUS) 2-1 (1-0), 4-4 on aggregate, Crvena
Zvezda through on away goals
(Radonjić 7', Kanga 46'; Granqvist 82' (pen))

Awesome shot by Aubameyang's compatriot Guélor Kanga for the 2-0:
https://gfycat.com/JealousIllustriousGemsbuck
Krasnodar were awarded a late cheap penalty (making up a bit for that Wembley/
Lampard goal in the first leg) which made for some nervous final minutes.

Two Serbian teams in a European group stage is a first. It's good to finally see
Red Star back, but hopefully their fans behave.



FK AUSTRIA WIEN (AUT) v NK Osijek (CRO) 0-1 (0-0), 2-2 on aggregate, Austria
through on away goals
(Boban 62')

Quite a boring game in the first half, but Gabrijel Boban, apparently a distant
cousin of Zvonimir's, posed the shaky Austria defence (Westermann!!!) problems
from the moment he came on at half-time, and the last twenty minutes were
absolutely nerve-wracking. Still, the Veilchen somehow (SOMEHOW) held on, and
the European picture for Austria now doesn't look bleak at all.



--

Pots for Europa League draw:


Pot 1

Arsenal (ENG)
Zenit (RUS)
Olympique Lyon (FRA)
Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Villarreal (ESP)
Athletic Bilbao (ESP)
Lazio (ITA)
AC Milan (ITA)
Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
RB Salzburg (AUT)
FC København (DEN)
SC Braga (POR)


Pot 2

FCSB (ROM)
Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL)
BATE Borisov (BLR)
Everton (ENG)
Young Boys (SUI)
Olympique Marseille (FRA)
Real Sociedad (ESP)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR)
Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS)
Austria Wien (AUT)
Hertha BSC (GER)
Nice (FRA)


Pot 3

Astana (KAZ)
Partizan (SRB)
Hoffenheim (GER)
1. FC Köln (GER)
Rijeka (CRO)
Vitória Guimarães (POR)
Atalanta (ITA)
Zulte Waregem (BEL)
Zorya Luhansk (UKR)
Rosenborg (NOR)
Sheriff (MDA)
Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR)


Pot 4

Apollon Limassol (CYP)
İstanbul Başakşehir (TUR)
Konyaspor (TUR)
Vitesse (NED)
Slavia Praha (CZE)
Crvena Zvezda (SRB)
Skënderbeu Korçë (ALB)
Zlín (CZE)
AEK (GRE)
Lugano (SUI)
Vardar (MKD)
Östersund (SWE)


3 teams: Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Spain

2 teams: Austria, England, Israel, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland,
Turkey, Ukraine

1 team: Albania, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece,
Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden


29 different countries in the EL group stage (+ 3 more with a team in the CL but
not the EL: Azerbaijan, Scotland and Slovenia), this year the qualification
campaigns have been pretty great in terms of diversity.

Three teams survived all the way from ELQ1 (Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Skënderbeu and
Crvena Zvezda).



--

Situation in the UEFA Rankings going into the group stages (Courtesy of Bert
Kassies' site):

-------------- (4 CL participants)
1 Spain 90.284 (7/7 teams still in the competition)
2 Germany 63.427 (6/7)
3 England 63.176 (7/7)
4 Italy 61.916 (6/6)
-------------- (3 CL participants if EL Title holder qualifies through league)
5 France 47.081 (5/6)
-------------- (2 CL participants)
6 Russia 44.182 (4/5)
-------------- (1 CL participant)
7 Portugal 40.748 (5/6)
8 Belgium 37.100 (2/5)
9 Ukraine 34.933 (3/5)
10 Turkey 30.600 (3/5)
-------------- (1 CL participant if CL Title holder qualifies through league)
11 Netherlands 28.549 (2/5)
-------------- (no CL participant, 2 assured EL participants)
12 Austria 26.600 (2/4)
-------------- (5 teams in Europe - 2 CLQ, 3 ELQ)
13 Greece 26.600 (2/5)
14 Czech Republic 25.975 (3/5)
15 Switzerland 25.000 (3/5)
-------------- (4 teams in Europe - 1 CLQ, 3 ELQ)
16 Croatia 24.750 (1/4)
17 Denmark 24.200 (1/4)
18 Cyprus 20.300 (2/4)
19 Israel 20.250 (2/4)
20 Poland 20.125 (0/4)

Macedonia at 37th are the lowest-ranked league to still have a team alive.


Incredibly close race between places 11 and 15. The Dutch only have Feyenoord
(in a tough CL group) and Vitesse left; the Greeks Olympiacos (in an equally
tough CL group) and AEK; the Czech Republic and Switzerland still have three
teams but their surprise cup winners in the EL (Zlín and Lugano) as unknowns; and we are the only ones who have the advantage to not have to divide by five.

On the other hand, Croatian and Danish hopes took a heavy blow this week, and
barring some miracle run by Rijeka or FC København those leagues will stay
outside the top 15 for the time being.

Also, such a shame that UEFA under pressure from the ECA have taken all sting
out of the fight for 3rd place. It's tighter than ever before between Serie A,
Premier League and Bundesliga.



--

Ciao,
Werner

[Lleo]

Werner Pichler escreveu:

> On Saturday, 19 August 2017 16:17:04 UTC+2, jvazquez wrote:
> >
> > A hell of a good job ;-)
> >
> > Danke.
>
> Thanks!

Das würde ich wiederholen! Danke sehr, Werner! :-)


[massive snip]

> AEK FC (GRE) v Club Brugge KV (BEL) 3-0 (2-0), 3-0 on aggregate
> (Christodoulopoulos 27' (pen), Simões 39', 90'+1)
>
> A clumsy penalty caused by Brugge's US keeper Horvath was their first step on
> the road to defeat. After last year's brilliant season, quite the wakeup call
> for the Belgian League - they have already lost three starters (only Zulte and
> Anderlecht remain) and are still winless.

Nice to see AEK back to European competition. A few years ago they were
down in the Greek amateur leagues.


--
Lléo

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 25 August 2017 03:05:07 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Saturday, 19 August 2017 16:17:04 UTC+2, jvazquez wrote:
> >
> > A hell of a good job ;-)
> >
> > Danke.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
> Teams in CAPITALS go through to the next round
>
>
>

> FC OLEKSANDRIYA (UKR) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR) 1-2 (1-0), 2-2 on aggregate
> (Hrytsuk 34' (pen); Ivanić 70', 73')

That of course should have read:

FC Oleksandriya (UKR) v FC BATE BORISOV (BLR) 1-2 (1-0), 2-3 on aggregate


Ciao,
Werner

[anders t]

Quoting Werner Pichler in rec.sport.soccer:

>EL Play-off, 2nd legs
>24/08/2017

>ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) - PAOK FC (GRE) 2-0 (0-0), 3-3 on aggregate, Östersund
>through on away goals
>(Ghoddos 71', 77')

A chapter from "Waiting For Ghoddos goals" by Gramuel Potterett.

>Saman Ghoddos basically scored the same goal twice (well-placed shot inside the
>left post) to overcome Östersund's first-leg deficit. I guess this miracle run
>(and being their only European surivor) could create a little more goodwill in
>Sweden for the Jämtland upstarts?

Hahaha!

>1 team: Albania, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece,
>Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden

Four years, I think, since Sweden last had a team in the EL.

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 25 August 2017 10:32:04 UTC+2, anders t wrote:
> Quoting Werner Pichler in rec.sport.soccer:
>
> >EL Play-off, 2nd legs
> >24/08/2017
>
> >ÖSTERSUNDS FK (SWE) - PAOK FC (GRE) 2-0 (0-0), 3-3 on aggregate, Östersund
> >through on away goals
> >(Ghoddos 71', 77')
>
> A chapter from "Waiting For Ghoddos goals" by Gramuel Potterett.
>
> >Saman Ghoddos basically scored the same goal twice (well-placed shot inside
> the left post) to overcome Östersund's first-leg deficit. I guess this
> miracle run (and being their only European surivor) could create a little
> more goodwill in Sweden for the Jämtland upstarts?
>
> Hahaha!

I forgot to add that I'm also very happy for the city of Östersunds and that
it's very exciting that a famous club might now come to visit Östersunds and
I'm sure Östersunds is a lovely place. Östersundsssssssssss


Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, 25 August 2017 04:24:48 UTC+2, Lleo wrote:
> Werner Pichler escreveu:
> > On Saturday, 19 August 2017 16:17:04 UTC+2, jvazquez wrote:
> > >
> > > A hell of a good job ;-)
> > >
> > > Danke.
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
> Das würde ich wiederholen! Danke sehr, Werner! :-)

Gern gescheh-

wait, do all South Americans know how to speak perfect German, behind our
backs?!?! :)

Ciao,
Werner

[anders t]

Quoting Werner Pichler in rec.sport.soccer:

>city of Östersunds
>visit Östersunds
>sure Östersunds
>Östersundsssssssssss

I have no idea what you are on about here! :-)

[Werner Pichler]

On Saturday, 5 August 2017 05:53:50 UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> AC Sparta Praha (CZE) v FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) 0-1 (0-1), 0-3 on aggregate
> (Boakye 19')
>
> Sparta only came alive after Rosický had come on around the hour mark, and
> then hit the woodwork twice. Stramaccioni so far hasn't survived longer
> than a year at any of his previous clubs (Inter, Udinese and
> Panathinaikos), and I wouldn't bet on him lasting even that long in Prague
> either.

Scenes from the Sparta Prague training ground, beginning of December:

https://imgur.com/a/osixe


Ciao,
Werner

[Werner Pichler]

I really should have taken that bet.

Ciao,
Werner

[Jesper Lauridsen]

On 2017-08-05, Werner Pichler <wpic...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 3rd EL Qualifying Round, 2nd legs
>
> Lyngby BK (DEN) v FC KRASNODAR (RUS) 1-3 (0-2), 2-5 on aggregate
> (Rygaard Jensen 28'; Pereyra 9', 22', Mamaev 89' (pen))
>
> End of the line for the Danish St. Johnstone.

You would think all these EL matches would help Lyngby in the two-legged
relegation playoffs that is currently used in Denmark. However after
initially beating Silkeborg 4-3 (2-1H, 2-2A), they lost to Randers 2-4
(1-2H,2-1A) and then to Vendsyssel 1-3 (0-1A,1-2H) to complete the relegation.

Vendsyssel is one of the smallest clubs to ever reach the top division.
Their record attendance is 7000, a record set in 1973.

[Werner Pichler]

On Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:28:16 AM UTC+2, Werner Pichler wrote:
>
> FC PROGRÈS NIEDERKORN (LUX) v Rangers FC (SCO) 2-0 (0-0),
> (Françoise 66', S. Thill 75')
>
> Oh, my. In their previous 13 European matches, Niederkorn had managed to
> score exactly one goal - they've now tripled that. To be fair, Rangers hit
> the crossbar three times, but they only really woke up when they were
> already two down.
>
> The two historical goals:
> https://gfycat.com/OldfashionedFastBrant
> https://gfycat.com/BrokenFondChimneyswift

Who would have guessed that this wouldn't be Sébastien Thill's biggest career goal?

Ciao,
Werner