The Cherkasy football club LNZ has ended its European campaign in the Conference League. In the second leg of the second qualifying round, Vitaliy Ponomarev's team drew 0:0 away against Belgian 'Gent', but lost in the subsequent penalty shootout — 2:4.
Flawless defense and missed chances
The second match against the Belgians was almost exemplary for the Cherkasy team in terms of defensive organization. The team did not concede a single goal from open play, despite the opponent taking control of the ball from the first minutes. However, in attack, the Ukrainians lacked the luck and skill to capitalize on their opportunities.
In the first half, LNZ had more chances to create danger at the opponent's goal. Alexander Assinor, David, Yakubu, and Pasich all had opportunities. The most dangerous moment for the Cherkasy team was a header by Vergara following a corner from the left flank by Araujo — the ball flew over the crossbar.
Extra time and penalties
The second half began with attacks by 'Gent', but shots by Van der Heyden and Dina also yielded no result. The solid performance of LNZ's defenders meant that neither team managed to score in 180 minutes of regular and extra time. In the final minutes, Mykytyshyn could have been the hero for the Cherkasy club, but his shot lacked power, and goalkeeper Ruff dealt with it easily.
In extra time, the roles of the teams were clearly defined: 'Gent' attacked exclusively, while LNZ defended, sometimes unable to clear the ball for several minutes. However, the reliable play of the defenders and the last line of defense in the person of goalkeeper Palamarchuk did not fail, and the fate of the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, the class of 'Gent's' takers showed: the Belgians executed four shots without error. For LNZ, Yegor Tverdokhleb and Denys Kuzyk missed from the spot. Tverdokhleb's shot was saved by 'Gent's' goalkeeper, while Kuzyk hit the crossbar. With that, the European campaign of the Cherkasy club came to an end.
Squads and outcome
LNZ lineup for the match: Palamarchuk — Drambaev, Muravsky, Gorin, Pasich — Ryabov, Didyk, Yakubu — Kuzyk, David, Assinor. Substitutes: Dajko, Donik, Kravchuk, Kitella, Ledvoy, Mykytyshyn, Pastukh, Samoylenko, Smytrytskyi, Talles, Tverdokhleb, Tsara.
Earlier this year, 'Polissya' also ended its European campaign. As for 'Dynamo', even despite being eliminated from the Europa League, it may still compete for a spot in the European autumn.
