FC Zurich’s Champions League run ended in the second qualifying round. The reigning Swiss champions were eliminated by the Azeris of Qarabag following conceding a draw (2-2 ap) in the return match.
Beaten 3-2 in the first leg, the Swiss champions started this second leg in an ideal way thanks to Medvedev. The Qarabag defender diverted a cross from Rohner (4th) into his own goal, but Franco Foda’s players did not capitalize on this boost.
The visitors were the most enterprising in front of goalkeeper Brecher, author of a fine save once morest Almeida (7th). They equalized on a counter concluded by the Brazilian Kady following 2 bad raises from Zurich in the 16 meters (55th). Zurich, barely in the Super League (1 point in 2 matches, 0 goal scored), a state far removed from the team that had thrilled Switzerland last spring.
A miracle at the 96th
Voluntary, the FCZ still snatched the extension in the 90 + 6th thanks to the Croatian Santini. But following only 8 minutes in this one, Owusu equalized a second time and offered the qualification to Qarabag.
The Zurichers find themselves transferred to the third round of qualifying for the Europa League, where they will face the Northern Irishmen of Linfield on August 4 and 11.
ats/btro
