The week’s results could be described as a “synchronized compromise”: all three matches ended in draws, leaving the question of who advances to the next round to be decided in the return legs.
Champions League: “PetroCub” Faces a Tough Away Match in Albania
Moldovan champion Petrocub from Hîncești kicked off the week of European competition with a home match in the Champions League against Albania’s Egnatia. The match ended in a 1–1 draw.
The match started perfectly for the home team: as early as the 2nd minute, a precise strike by Petru Popescu put PetroCub ahead. However, they were unable to hold onto the lead until halftime—in the 36th minute, the Albanians equalized.
Although Egnatia’s Albano Alexi received a straight red card at the very end of the first half, the Moldovan club was unable to capitalize on its numerical advantage in the second half. The return leg in Albania promises to be extremely tense.
Europa League: “Sheriff” Starts with a Goalless Draw in Tiraspol
Tiraspol’s “Sheriff” begins its campaign this season in the first qualifying round of the Europa League. The “yellow-and-blacks’” first opponent was the Slovenian club “Aluminij.”
The match at the main stadium of the “Sheriff” sports complex turned out to be a tough, hard-fought affair with few dangerous moments. The revamped Tiraspol squad controlled the game, but they were unable to break through the visitors’ organized defense.
The Slovenians are taking home a comfortable scoreless draw, while Sheriff will have to win on the road in Maribor next week to continue their campaign in Europe’s second-tier club competition.
Conference League: “Milsami” Misses Out on Victory on the Road
Orgeev’s Milsami traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a Conference League match against local club Velež Mostar and came closest to victory this weekend.
Alexei Savinov’s team put on a very strong performance on the road. In the 53rd minute, substitute Philip Odubia stunned the Bosnian crowd with a precise strike. “Milsami” defended confidently and was on track for a narrow victory, but in the first minute of stoppage time, Leonid Ignatov saved the hosts from defeat.
Nevertheless, the high-scoring away draw leaves the Orhei team with excellent chances ahead of the home leg.
All three return matches will take place next week (July 15 and 16). According to UEFA regulations, the away goals rule does not apply, which means that any victory will advance our teams to the next round. In the event of another draw, fans can expect extra time and a penalty shootout.
Chisinau’s “Zimbru” will enter European competition in the second qualifying round of the Conference League.
