The Kiev mentor noted the game of the hosts in defense
Head coach Dynamo Mircea Lucescu commented on the defeat of the Kiev team in the first match of the third qualifying round Conference leagues With Aris (0:1).
“Aris deserved this victory, which they secured for themselves in the second part of the second half. Today’s game was even, we started too late to score – only after we conceded. We expected that the opponent would leave the zones, which would give us space. They managed to score from the penalty spot. But there is one more match to come in Bucharest.”
“I also want to mention the fans who pushed their team forward. Unfortunately, we can’t play with fans – only test matches. Therefore, such support was a surprise for us, we were under pressure. If only we could play with the audience at home too.”
“The hosts played, first of all, in order to score. They also played well in defense, they managed to make some kind of corridors and at the same time not give our players the opportunity to excel. Before the game, I expected Aris to play more attacking football, but they didn’t, they waited and got a penalty.”
“Aris had opportunities to score twice more. In the first half they were not, but in the second it was enough. Mostly through the left flank, where Yarmolenko did not follow Ferrari, he made many very dangerous passes, and after that the opponent could score. But this led to mistakes.
The Kyivians conceded the only goal in the second half. Luis Palma converted a dubious penalty awarded by Australian referee Jarred Gillett for Alexander Sirota’s handball in the box. Note that the VAR system did not work at the fight.
The return match between Dinamo and Aris will take place on August 17 in Bucharest at the Rapid Giulesti stadium. The winner of the confrontation in the playoffs of the Conference League qualification will play with the best team of the pair Neftchi – Besiktas (first match – 1:3).
Source: Sportarena
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