Erik Jirka decided on Pilsen’s progress Source: Profimedia
PRISTINA – In the dramatic rematch of the 2nd preliminary round of the European Conference League, the players of Pilsen won 2:1 on the field of Kosovar Drita thanks to Erik Jirka’s penalty in the 24th minute of extra time.
Favored Viktoria advanced to the next stage of the qualification thanks to a home goalless draw. He will play a double match with Malta’s Gzira at home next week.
The meeting in Pristina, which was interrupted twice due to a partial blackout, was opened by substitute Rafia Durosinmi with a goal in the 76th minute. Then Besnik Krasniqi, who was subsequently sent off, equalized, and Jirka Slovák decided just before the end. In the fourth competitive duel of the season, Viktoria won for the first time under Staron’s coach Koubko.
The guests tried to attack from the beginning in the capital of Kosovo, but, like in Pilsen, they ran into a solid defensive block of the opponent. In the first half, they did not get to the end very much, Kalvach’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper Smakiqi.
The Drita players rather waited, but in the 26th minute, Jashari headed a bit wide after a counterattack. On the other hand, after playing with Chorý in a good position in the penalty area, Kopic could not shoot accurately.
The lighting went out twice
After the change of sides, the lighting in the stadium partially went out. Sundberg stopped the match for the first time in the 49th minute. After a roughly ten-minute break, during which the lights were gradually turned on, it was possible to play again. In the 65th minute, the problematic mast went out again, but after a shorter pause than in the first case, it was lit up again.
After that, both teams created good chances. Pilsenský Chorý headed into the break in the 70th minute, and visiting goalkeeper Staněk eliminated Alzeraj’s shot from an angle.
The guests opened the scoring in the 76th minute. After a few tens of seconds on the pitch, fresh substitute Durosinmi jumped on Jirko’s cross and beat Smakiqi with his head. However, West Bohemia subsequently offered Drita several chances. In the 88th minute, Dabiqaj still hit the side netting, but in the second of the advised 18-minute extra time, after several inconsistencies in defense, Blerim Krasniqi equalized.
Jirka decided in the 24th minute of overtime
The substitute striker of the Kosovo team received a yellow card for an excessively emotional goal celebration, was reprimanded for the second time at the end of extra time and had to leave the field early. The Pilsen footballers finally took advantage of the short power play. Besnik Krasniqi played with his hand in the penalty area and Slovakian Jirka coolly converted the penalty at the beginning of the 24th minute of added time. Just before the end, Viktoria was saved by Staněk, who pulled Jashari’s shot over the crossbar.
The West Bohemians won only the second of the last 11 competitive matches, but in the preliminary rounds of the European Cups, they extended their unbeaten streak to eight meetings.
Author: © List Source: CTK
2023-08-03 20:56:30
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