Mixed Fortunes for Austrian Players Abroad in CL Qualifiers

Johannes Kreidl and KuPS have advanced to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper and the Finnish champions from Kuopio were able to absorb a 2-3 defeat after extra time in the second leg against FK Vardar Skopje and still celebrate their advancement.

An own goal by Savolainen (59th minute/OG) and Zakaric (90.+1) from the penalty spot sent the North Macedonian champions into extra time after their 0-2 first-leg loss.

There, Armah put the Finns back on track (100th minute), but two minutes later Puleio restored the two-goal advantage (102nd minute). Before halftime in extra time, KuPS were awarded a penalty, which Parzyszek (105.+1) successfully converted.

Subsequently, the scoreline was successfully managed, with Kreidl in goal for the entire duration of the match. In the second round, Sabah FK, the champions of Azerbaijan, await.

Former Rapid Player Zivkovic Eliminated

For Jovan Zivkovic and FC Györ, however, the first qualifying round marks the end of their journey.

The 0-1 deficit from the first leg could not be overturned; a 2-2 draw in the second leg against Vikingur Reykjavik means a sudden exit.

After Hafsteinsson's opening goal (34th minute), Vitalis from the spot (38th minute/P) and an own goal by Thorkelsson (45.+1) initially turned the game in favour of the Hungarian hosts. However, shortly after the break, Sigurdsson scored the equaliser (55th minute).

Zivkovic was substituted on in the 84th minute, but could not bring about a turnaround.

While Iceland's champions will face Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the second round, Györ will continue in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. There, the loser of the CL qualifier between KI Klaksvik and Atert Bissen (first leg: 2-1) awaits them in the second round.

Savic Also Out

Stefan Savic and Borac Banja Luka also have to concede defeat.

They suffered a clear 0-4 defeat against Levski Sofia, after the first leg in Bosnia ended 1-1. The Salzburg native remained on the field until the 83rd minute.

By that point, they were already 0-3 down: Oko-Flex (48th minute) and Reinaldo with a brace (59th/65th minutes) scored. Perea sealed the final score (85th minute).

In the second qualifying round of the Conference League, Banja Luka will face the loser of the match between Petrocub Hincesti and KS Egnatia Rrogozhina (1-1). Levski Sofia will take on the winner of FK Maxline Wizebsk and CS Universitatea Craiova (1-4) in the Champions League qualifiers.