Kaunas delight in Opic intervention

FBK Kaunas will travel back to Lithuania tonight with a priceless first-leg victory against HB Tórshavn under their belt. However, the Lithuanians were made to work for their win in the Faroe Islands.

Unlucky HB
Indeed, HB could consider themselves unlucky not to have salvaged at least a draw from this UEFA Champions League first qualifying round clash at the Tórsvøllur Stadium after a finely-balanced encounter.

Resolute rearguard
The hosts tried their best to break down a resolute Kaunas rearguard in the first half while the visitors appeared to be concentrating on keeping a clean sheet ahead of next week's return.

Opic effort
HB were finally caught out 15 minutes from time when Kaunas' substitute forward Martin Opic raced into the box and finished well. After moving ahead the visitors wisely sat on their lead while HB toiled in vain on a heavy pitch.

Red card disappointment
The only disappointment for the Lithuanians was a red card for Andrius Gedgaudas five minutes before the full-time whistle. However, having become the only side to win away from home in the evening's ten Champions League matches, they will be confident of the wrapping up the tie next week and setting up a lucrative second qualifying round encounter against last season's UEFA Cup runners-up Celtic FC.