Second Leg

Ivelin Popov's goal was enough to earn Bulgarian side, Litex Lovech, a slender lead ahead of the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie against FK Rudar Pljevlja.

Rudar, 7-1 victors against SP Tre Fiori in the first round, will have to come from behind tonight if they are to extend their European campaign. The Montenegrin titleholders, who were reduced to ten men when Mijuško Bojoviæ was dismissed five minutes from time, find themselves in arrears following Popov's eighth-minute strike in Lovech.

It was a goal that rewarded Litex for starting in attacking fashion on home soil, Popov directing left-back Petar Zanev's cross over Miloš Radanoviæ. Angel Chervenkov's side remained in the ascendancy, Brazilian wide players Francisco Da Silva and Wellington particularly threatening throughout.

The Bulgarian champions came close to doubling their lead on 27 minutes, Popov this time turning provider for Wilfried Niflore whose header was tipped onto the bar by Radanoviæ. The visiting goalkeeper was on hand to deny the hosts twice more in quick succession, Niflore and Popov both threatening to stretch their side's advantage.

Home coach Chervenkov introduced summer signing Florin-Daniel Bratu 21 minutes from time and the Romanian nearly scored just five minutes into his competitive debut but shot over. Sandrinho also went close to adding a late second but Rudar hung on to restrict Litex's lead even after the dismissal of Bojoviæ for a second booking.

The Bulgarians look good enough to progress, even though they should probably have a bigger cushion. Litech are 1/3 shots to qualify and 4/5 best (Ladbrokes) to win on 90 minutes. Neither price shouts out, but there was not enough about the home team from last week to expect an upset. 

It's a similar story as Cypriot side, AC Omonia bid to become the third straight Cypriot team to reach the UEFA Champions League group stagegot off to a good start with a dominant second qualifying round first-leg win against FK Renova.

By the 28-minute mark the visitors were two goals behind and down to ten men and Michalis Konstantinou, who had opened the scoring with a penalty, added Omonia's third just past the hour. Renova now have a difficult task to turn the tie in Skopje onTuesday. Macedonian football has to be at the lowest ebb of European quality and the Cypriots can get through. With a 3-0 lead and no requirement to come forwrard this could be a surprise 0-0.

In the first game the Cypriots had 18 shots on goal compared to just 2 for Renova. Expect a defensive display. The 0-0 is 9/1 with Bet365

no member's bet today.

Published 19-07-2010

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