Late headers give AaB advantage

Aalborg BK's dream of becoming the first Danish team to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage twice is a step nearer reality after two goals in the last 19 minutes gave them the edge against FBK Kanuas.

Late goals
Fresh from their impressive elimination of Rangers FC in the second qualifying round, the Lithuanian visitors looked on course to repeat the first-leg goalless draw in that tie, having even threatened to go ahead in the opening half. But two minutes after his introduction, Brazilian midfielder Caca made the breakthrough and Jeppe Curth's late header left the Danish champions, who previously reached the competition proper nine years ago, in control of the tie.

Headers decisive
AaB dominated the first quarter of an hour but chances were not forthcoming and Kaunas began to wrest control. Striker Mindaugas Grigalevičius started the rearguard when he came close for the visitors on 15 minutes but AaB proved able to soak up the pressure and after the interval began to reimpose themselves. The breakthrough finally came when 69th-minute substitute Caca headed in, and Curth used the same method to double the lead with four minutes left and increase the size of Kaunas's task in two weeks' time.