Historical day in Valmiera city, Jana Dalina stadium where Valmiera FC for the first time in the history of the club and stadium itself hosted the UEFA Champions League match – the second leg of the first round qualifying against Olimpija Ljubljana. The stands were complete, and the atmosphere was terrific, but unfortunately, those who supported the home side left sad due to a 1:2 loss.
Both teams didn’t sit for a moment and straight away went onto the attacking phase. Olimpija offered more dangerous moments than Valmiera, and Carlos Olses had a job to do. A few saves here and there but the opponent didn’t leave the pitch empty-handed.
One of the rare passes went through in the penalty area and Mustafa Nukic connected with Rui Pedro – the ball swiftly landed in the lower left corner of the goal. Valmiera was down by a goal after 45 minutes, down two on the aggregate.
The start whistle of the second half meant that Meissa Diop’s game had ended and Ruan Ribeiro got his chance to play up-front. The game didn’t evolve into something different than it was before. Both teams still kicking tires and looking for more scoring. Olimpija got another one.
After the goal the first real chance was given to the Slovenian side, then Ruan and Pape Yare Fall followed up with their chances but those resulted in nothing. Finally, the fans had something to cheer for – the ball finally found its path into the net, Leo Gaucho began to celebrate but for some it was obvious – the goal wouldn’t count, heavy and lengthy off-side.
Another chance for Gaucho just moments later, but the goalkeeper found his position to catch the ball. Out of nowhere Camilo Mena appeared and handed the fans some true emotions – a goal and hope that the team could return hope for a positive ending.
Both teams kept exchanging pillories but the finishing score was already marked – 1:2 the score of the game and 2:4 on aggregate.
Our Eurocup season doesn’t end there – our next opponent is already awaiting us at the UEFA Conference League where we will meet with San Marino’s SP Tre Penne. The fixtures will be announced in due time.
