Legia Warsaw secured their progression in the European League with a narrow victory over FC Aktobe. The decisive goal came in the dying moments of the match, courtesy of Juergen Elitim.
The game saw several notable attempts from both sides. Sosah’s effort from a tight angle was met with strong defence from Aktobe, who had Zhukov and several other players positioned to block. Radovan pankov was involved in an incident where sosah’s elbow made contact.
Around the hour mark, a free-kick was awarded to Legia following a foul on biččjana. the Armenian midfielder delivered a well-struck shot from the edge of the 16-yard box. In the 69th minute, Kacper Chodyna had a significant chance, but the Kazakh defense managed to thwart his attempt.In the latter stages of the match, Aktobe increased their pressure, forcing Legia into a deeper defensive posture. Oralchan Omirtyev posed a threat with a header and later found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. legia responded with a long-range shot from cabbage, which the goalkeeper Vlad managed to push to a corner. Legia’s goalkeeper, Tobiasz, required brief treatment and later made a crucial save against an Aktobe shot.
The home team’s late surge was ultimately dampened by Juergen Elitim’s solitary goal in the first minute of added time. Elitim’s goal was a product of individual brilliance; he received the ball approximately 15 meters from the goal, skillfully evaded a defender with his first touch, bypassed another opponent, and finished accurately along the ground.
With this result, Legia Warsaw advances to the second round of the European League, where they are scheduled to face Baník Ostrava. Their first leg will be played on their home ground. FC Aktobe, meanwhile, moves to the Conference League and will compete against Sparta Prague, with their initial match taking place away from home. The first leg of the second preliminary round is scheduled for July 24th.
Matěj Chaluš, a defender for Baník, commented on the upcoming tie against Legia, stating, “Legia is a very attractive, strong opponent. I think it will be a battle with all the trimmings. And we will want to handle it and advance.”
