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Panevėžio "Ekranas" in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League beat Tel Aviv's "Hapoel" 1-0 at home and gained an advantage in the fight for a place in the main stage of the tournament - the group stage.
The Lithuanian champion could become the first club in the country to reach this stage. To achieve this goal, it will be enough to avoid defeat next Thursday, August 25, in the return match in Tel Aviv or to lose to the opponents with a one-goal margin while scoring at least one goal themselves.
The victory for "Ekranas" in front of their own spectators on Thursday evening was decided by defender Mantas Samusiovas, who scored a header after a corner kick.
After a slow first half, the visitors woke up in the second half and created many more dangerous opportunities. "Hapoel" had several chances to score, especially after conceding a goal, but luck was on the side of the Lithuanian team. Initially, Toto Tamuz hit the crossbar from close range, later he missed with a header, and finally the away team's forward sent the ball next to the post after a defensive mistake.
Panevėžio 1 - 0 Tel Aviv's "Hapoel"
82' [1 - 0] M. Samusiovas
Amateur video of the goal:
Related:
"Hapoel" coach promises revenge to "Ekranas" in Israel (comments)
