Despite Goal from Ex-Graz Player: Florucz's Club Eliminated from CL Qualifiers

Austrian expatriate Raul Florucz and Union Saint Gilloise have been eliminated from the CL qualifiers.

In the second leg of the third UEFA Champions League qualifying round, the Belgians lost 2-3 after extra time at Bodø/Glimt. Florucz, who started the first leg (3-3) and scored a brace, spent almost the entire match on the bench.

In contrast to the high-scoring first leg, the return leg was goalless until half-time. Blomberg (51') gave the hosts the lead early in the second half. Guilhermo Smith responded ten minutes later with the equalizer. But Hauge (76') restored Bodø's lead.

Setback Just Before the End

Fuseini (88') sent the Belgians into extra time, which USG, however, had to play with ten men. In the 90+7th minute, Van De Perre was sent off with a second yellow card.

Accordingly, the Norwegians controlled the game in extra time and had significantly more possession. Especially after the last break, shots rained down on the USG goal – and in the 117th minute, it happened: Helmersen headed in from close range to secure the win.

Florucz Only Enters After That

Four minutes after conceding, USG coach Hubert made a double substitution. However, Florucz's brief appearance no longer changed the outcome of the game.

Saint-Gilloise is therefore automatically qualified for the Europa League, while Bodø/Glimt will face the winner of Olympiacos-Nijmegen in the CL play-off.