Herczeg keeps lid on Debrecen euphoria

Coach András Herczeg insisted Debreceni VSC "cannot afford to be complacent" after their 2-1 play-off win at a PFC Levski Sofia side already promising a second-leg rally.

Driving seat
Cédric Bardon managed to cancel out László Bodnár's spectacular opener for the Hungarian champions, but the visitors prevailed regardless, with Péter Czvitkovics scoring the winner 14 minutes from time. That strike has left Debrecen in the driving seat as they look to make their maiden appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage, but their coach is taking nothing for granted.

'Far from over'
"We were solid in the first half and caused Levski a lot of problems, but the second half showed why Levski are such a good side," said Herczeg. "The win is very important, but the tie is far from over. We cannot afford to be complacent for the second leg; it is not a foregone conclusion. We have a better chance of progressing to the group stage but will have to work very hard in the second leg because Levski are a quality side."

'Much more solid'
Levski boss Ratko Dostanić did not give in to despair as he reflected on his side's night's work, though he acknowledged that the odds were now against the Bulgarian champions. "It is very hard to lose at home, but there is another game and we must not give up," he said. "We conceded one very soft goal from long range; I had warned the players and the goalkeeper about such shots. We have a lot of problems with injuries, but I think for the return leg we will be much more solid at the back and we will do our best to take something from the game."