Levadia claim Wisła scalp
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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FC Levadia Tallinn 1-0 Wisła Kraków (agg: 2-1)
Vladislav Ivanov's 89th-minute effort sealed the surprise of the round as the Estonian champions eliminated their Polish visitors.
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FC Levadia Tallinn caused a major shock by overcoming Wisła Kraków in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
Ivanov confirmation
With only a minute remaining, the Estonian titleholders were on course for an away-goals success following their 1-1 draw in Poland last week. Vladislav Ivanov then stepped up to confirm his side's progress with a powerful 25-metre free-kick to hand Levadia a tie with Debreceni VSC.
Home urgency
Although it was Wisła that needed to score on the night, it was the home side who started with more urgency. Russian striker Nikita Andreev had the first chance, but visiting goalkeeper Mariusz Pawełek saved easily. The Polish champions gradually came into the game and midway through the first half Piotr Ćwielong was denied by Andrei Kalimullin's last-ditch defending.
Late winner
Levadia veteran Konstantin Nahk then had a great chance but could not get any power in his shot. Wisła dominated possession after the break, creating several good opportunities with Tomáš Jirsák and Radosław Sobolewski, who hit the post, going close. Levadia could not make any headway against the impressive Wisła back line, but in the 89th minute they won a free-kick which Ivanov fired in to calm the home side's nerves and secure their passage to the next round.