FC BATE Borisov do
not get more than a 1-1 home draw in UEFA Europa League play off
round first leg. In spite of a fantastic start that included a
beautiful goal by Mirko Ivanić and a couple of other great
possibilities, they Yellow-Blues slowed down badly enough not only to
give the opponents a chance to revive, but also to equalize.
The first half was
packed with action. Ivanić scored a beautiful goal already with 9
minutes after the starting whistle. A clever backheel pass by Mikhail
Hardzeichuk was curled into the corner with great style and skill.
Nevertheless that
did not bring enough momentum to continue siege at Pankiv's goal. The
Yellow-Blues conceded a goal that spoilt the party for almost full
Borisov-Arena. And after the break all attempts to get an advantage
before the return game went in vain.
The best opportunity
was Ivanić's shot into the crossbar with several minutes to go.
The Yellow-Blues
will face FC Krumkachy Minsk on Sunday, 20 August at home.
Aliaksandr YERMAKOVICH (FC BATE Borisov Head
Coach):
- That was a bad
remake of the Alashkert game. Today we gave away the initiative after
the goal scored. This is really the biggest frustration. The team
that has such an experience of European game has no right to do it
after a goal scored. Oleksandriya did not surprise us by anything. We
were getting prepared to a game like this. But we still have our
chances in the return game. We depend on our legs and heads, this is
the most important thing. We knew the opponents will defend well. And
we knew how to play through such defence. But to know is one thing
and to do is a different one.
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